On average, the United States puts out more than 400 thousand disposable cups a day across the country, and almost 200 billion a year. It is common everywhere for people to run in, get a cup of coffee and then leave thinking only about how much better that their day will be now with that boost of caffeine. Most people however fail to consider the impact that those disposable cups are having on our environment.
1. On average, plastic takes 450 years to decompose completely.
Contrary to popular belief, plastic that is not recycled takes a really long time to decompose, even though it's "just" plastic.
2. Styrofoam is anticipated to be a carcinogen.
The International Agency for Cancer Institute says that many studies indicate that styrofoam is linked to many cancer causing cells.
3. Paper cups can not easily be recycled.
Despite what people say, most disposable paper cups are made from plastic number 5 which can not be recycled.
4. Water that is being stored in styrofoam can be easily contaminated via leaching.
Styrofoam uses a plastic coating called polyethylene which has been proven to be harmful upon consumption.
5. Every paper cup produced emits around 0.11 KG of C02.
That is, if you take into account the paper sleeve, the paper needed to make the cup, as well as the shipping and production of the product itself.
I am not by any means saying you have to boycott your favorite coffee shop, or alter your daily life, but there is a very simple solution to this problem. Get a cup or a mug that is reusable and carry it around with you. Saving the money, and the planet at the same time.
