Pouring cold water on the use of disposable cups
WEXFORD COUNTY Council has launched a campaign to encourage people to cut down on waste by using reusable cups for their takeaway coffee and tea.
As part of the campaign, which was launched by the Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Hegarty, in the National Heritage Park, the local authority is also asking businesses to offer discounts to customers who present reusable cups to them when buying drinks.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Hegarty, said the Conscious Cup Campaign (CCC) is aimed at reducing the number of disposable takeaway cups in the county.
He welcomed Sorcha Kavanagh, from the national Conscious Cup Campaign, to the park, and extended a special welcome to the representatives from Tidy Towns groups and local businesses who were in attendance.
Cllr Hegarty said everyone has a role to play in reducing waste and commented: ‘We all need to play our part in becoming a more sustainable community.’
He praised the Tidy Towns groups for supporting the initiative and for the ongoing work they do to ensure communities around the county are litter-free as well as acknowledging businesses that are already participating in the campaign.
Ms Kavanagh said that in Ireland it’s estimated that over two million disposable cups are discarded every day.
‘These cannot be recycled due to the combination of plastic and paper and end up in landfill, or unfortunately, as litter on the sides roads in our towns, villages and countryside,’ she said.
‘The aim of this campaign is to reduce the number of disposable takeaway cups in County Wexford,’ she added.
She also encouraged businesses to get involved by rewarding people who bring in their own cup with discounts.
Cafés and shops taking part in the initiative agree to offer customers a cash discount or a loyalty stamp when they bring in their own reusable cup.
Businesses that sign up will receive a free pack containing a door or window sticker, and a display poster.
They will also get free publicity across the Conscious Cup Campaign social media platforms and the business will also be geo-tagged on a live interactive map that will be viewable online.