University Of Florida Participates In Kill The Cup Challenge
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

University Of Florida Participates In Kill The Cup Challenge

18
University Of Florida Participates In Kill The Cup Challenge

With fall in full swing, have you ever wondered what happens to your coffee cup after you finish sipping your favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Starting on Oct. 5, The University of Florida will compete against 15 other universities in the nation’s largest reusable cup contest.

This four-week challenge, entitled “Kill the Cup,” will run from Oct. 5 to Oct. 30. It encourages students to promote reusable coffee cups and reduce disposable cup usage.

“It’s a competition based off which university can increase their reusable cup percentage the most,” said Allison Vitt, Outreach Coordinator for the UF office of Sustainability.

Many people are unaware that coffee cups are not recyclable due to the necessary lining for hot coffee. Therefore, the cups end up at landfills, Vitt said.

Small changes, such as bringing a reusable cup to your favorite coffee shop, can make a big difference.

“People don’t understand the magnitude of difference one small change can make,” said Amy Mahler, Director of Operations for Greeks Going Green.

Nationwide, Starbucks’ reusable cup rate is only about 1.8 percent. The company is aiming to reach a 5 percent reusable cup rate. However, the UF campus currently has a reusable cup rate of about 3.2 percent, Vitt said.

At UF, the Starbucks in Library West is the location that will participate in the Kill the Cup Challenge. Each time a student brings in the reusable cup, he or she will get 25-cents off of the beverage.

Student organizations such as Gators Going Green and Greeks Going Green are spearheading this initiative, aiming to spread awareness and knowledge.

“We really want to not only get people recycling, but also to use more sustainable resources daily,” Mahler said.

Dakota Woll, Executive Director for the Student Government Association, Greeks Going Green, explained that the goal is to simply get students involved by reducing the amount of cups used.

“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the world today and initiatives like this can help make both a tangible and everlasting impact on the University of Florida campus,” Woll said.

This campaign is an excellent way to get involved on campus by doing something as simple as bringing your own reusable coffee cup with you.

Vitt encouraged students to get involved in something that they are passionate about and make the most of whatever that may be.

“Find something in your time here that really turns the light bulb on for you,” Vitt said.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
writing
Green Chameleon

Welcome to June on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you take a break from campus life. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

1649
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Summer Slump

Summer isn't alway just fun in the sun.

2105
Summer Slump

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, hanging out with friends, and living it up, but for some people, that's not the case. Summer is a nightmare for idle minds. Let me explain what I mean by that. For people with mental illness having the extra time to think and relax can be devastating for their mental health. Now, this isn't a problem for everyone but for some people who suffer from mental illness, this is a reality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

"The Rise of Skywalker" really got me thinking...

2034
Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Here we go...

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

NYC Classrooms struggle with marijuana and high students

The Cannabis landscape has changed, and so have what schools experience

1680
Weed
Instagram
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that about 35.7% of 12th graders in the U.S. had used marijuana in the past year, and 11.8% reported daily use. As for coming to school under the influence, specific statistics can be hard to come by, but there is concern that the increasing social acceptance of marijuana may lead to higher rates of use among teenagers.
Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments