Petaluma, California, has introduced a reusable cup program to reduce plastic waste, with 30 local businesses and major chains participating in the effort.
Cecilia Nowell reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Petaluma's new reusable cup program, launched on August 1, involves 30 businesses distributing cups that customers can return to designated bins.
- The initiative aims to combat the environmental impact of single-use cups, with companies tracking the effectiveness through QR codes on each cup.
- Experts note challenges such as ingrained habits around disposables and the logistics of cup collection and cleaning.
Key quote:
“As a coffee shop, we see a crazy amount of waste. It’s painful and it’s heartbreaking and it’s also part of our business. So if there’s any way that we could be better, we’re going to do it.”
— Ashley Harris, owner of Petaluma Coffee and Tea
Why this matters:
With billions of disposable cups used annually, innovative approaches like Petaluma's could be crucial in reducing waste and shifting consumer behavior toward sustainability. If successful, the project may serve as a model for other cities.
Read more: The sustainability paradox of reusable cups
