There are about 42,000 students at the University of Ottawa. What if each of them used just one single-use cup each day? 42,000 cups to dispose of? That is a lot of waste! Yes, single-use mugs are compostable (*not the lids!), but are students actually composting them? Not really… They are being put into waste bins, or worse, into paper recycling bins. Sometimes they still have coffee in them, which contaminates the paper that was going to be recycled.
Sorting properly is one thing – (if you must use a single-use coffee mug, please put it in compost!), but how about trying to kick that habit?
NO, don’t get me wrong, I would never suggest going a day without coffee! I am trying to say ditch the single-use for a month, maybe even just a week – YES, use a reusable mug! Your coffee will stay warmer, you save money, and you will help create a greener campus. Did you know you get a discount if you use a reusable mug anywhere on campus? (Between 10 and 25 cents off your hot beverage)
You can also get free fair trade coffee, tea, or hot chocolate if you bring your reusable mug to the Muggy Monday’s table on the 2nd floor of FSS every Monday from 8-12. I am challenging you to kick the disposable cup habit and join us by sharing your best reusable mug photo or ‘Mug Shot’ with the tag #uORecycle.
~ brigitte morin - recycling coordinator