The packaging on plastic takeaway cups can be very misleading for every day Aussies, with many cups claiming to be ‘bio friendly’ or even ‘compostable’, unfortunately that’s not entirely true.
Even though the cup itself might be recyclable due to the plastic membrane or lining of the cup it actually can’t be recycled and can often contaminate the entire load causing the whole lot into landfill.
So if you don’t have time to take a seat in the café – it’s time to find you a reusable cup that’s not just friendly on the environment but saves a few cents on your morning coffee.
From glass, ceramic, plastic and stainless steel we have broken down the best reusable coffee cups in Australia.
1: Glass
Glass is a very popular alternative when it comes to plastic.
PROS: It doesn’t stain or retain odours
Easy to clean
Silicone lids gentle to sip from
CONS: Doesn’t retain heat as well as other reusable cups
Can be hot
Easily breakable
The world’s first barista standard reusable cup, Keep Cup, was created in 2009 – now you can design your own cup to fit your personality. Starting from $30 there is a style for everyone.
2: Ceramic
With many retail stores providing ceramic keep-cup options it is very accessible.
PROS: Microwave safe
Retains heat slightly better than glass
Doesn’t alter the taste due to the natural material
CONS: Fragile
Heavy
Can stain
Pottery for the Planet is a Queensland based company who are entirely plastic free! There beautiful handmade designs start from $33.
3: Plastic
These sturdy reusable cups are more than what they seem.
PROS: Durable
Light weight
Sealable and well insulated lid
CONS: Easily stained / retains odours
Hard to remove lid
Can affect taste of product
Another Aussie company Frank Green have been changing the way we use travel mugs. By designing your very own cup you can even insert payWave to make your morning coffee that much easier. Prices start from $32.95
4: Stainless steel
Keeping drinks warm and cool all year round you can’t go wrong!
PROS: Best heat retention
Hard wearing
Great for all sizes – no splashing
CONS: Hand wash only
Often too tall to fit under a regular café coffee machine
Can be hard to grip
Contigo is a well-recognised reusable water bottle brand who have recently branched out into the hot liquid movement. By using your Contigo travel cup and making a cuppa at home you save $365 a year on takeaway coffee. Prices around the $25 mark
Whilst France is phasing out single use coffee cups aiming for a complete ban by 2030, sadly Australia has no plans to ban the disposable cup.
In the meantime there’s the perfect reusable cup out there for everyone.
