COFFEE CUPS
Wan use p tr plan ess w
IF YOU’VE been shocked to see the damage plastic is doing to our planet, the chances are you’ll be keen to do your bit. And with so many user-friendly and stylish reusable products on the market there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
Not only will you help the environment but many coffee shops give you a discount when you bring your own cup, saving you money too.
I tested products that can replace throwaways in four categories – coffee cups, straws, sandwich wrappings and food coverings.
Here is my verdict.
HIGH TECH
Ember travel mug, £159.95 (ember.com)
The price might make you choke on your latte but this is an extremely clever cup.
You select the temperature you want your drink, either by twisting the base or via a smartphone app, and you get a message when your coffee is ready to drink.
The mug comes with a charging coaster and the lid has a button that seals it if you’re carrying it.
On the downside, it’s a little heavy and although the lid can go in the dishwasher the main part needs to be handwashed. Plus, you need to recharge it.
Ingenious but expensive
VERDICT: 8/10
COLLAPSIBLE Stojo Collapsible Pocket Cup, £9.99 (menkind.co.uk)
Are you never sure what to do with your cup once you’ve finished your drink? Is it too big to carry around in your pocket or handbag or are you worried about leaks? This could be the solution. When not in use, you can collapse the cup into itself, making it easy to store. It’s also microwave-safe and the whole thing can go in the dishwasher at the end of the day. Clever design means you can carry it with you all the time
VERDICT: In the UK we use approximately seven million disposable coffee cups every day, so switching to a reusable cup can make a real difference. 8/10
BAMBOO
Ecoffee cup, £8.99 (oxfam.org.uk)
This bamboo cup is bright, sturdy and comes with a silicone lid.
There is a heatproof band to hold it with and a removable silicone clip over the drinking hole.
Straightforward, well-priced cup that will quickly start paying for itself with the discount from coffee shops
VERDICT: 7.5/10
RECYCLED rCUP, £12 (rCUP.co.uk)
Made of recycled old cups, this gives you a double helping of eco-friendly points so you can feel extra virtuous.
It’s insulated to keep drinks warmer and you push the lid in to seal it, making it completely watertight. It goes in the dishwasher and the company promises replacement seals for free if you need them.
Nice cup with impeccable credentials
VERDICT:
CHARITY
#PassOnPlastic Coffee Cup, £17.50 (accessories.sky.com)
Sky Ocean Rescue and Project 0 have teamed up with big names like Sienna Miller and Rita Ora to design a range of reusable cups and bottles.
I tried the gorgeous Bubble Trouble cup, designed by Cara Delevingne, it’s stylish but the lid is difficult to take off.
Lovely to look at but loses a mark for tricky lid removal
VERDICT: 9/10 8/10