Save a cup, save a buck…

Remember when a cup of coffee cost only 50 cents?  OK, me neither, but that sounds like a really fair price, doesn’t it?

Surprisingly, a price like that isn’t too good to be true.  Here’s the deal: that coffee joint--you know the one from Seattle that’s got a reputation for being on every street corner--charges only 50 cents to refill your cup.  Doesn’t matter if you bring your cup back the next day, next week, all week, if you present your cup and ask for a refill, it’s 50 cents.  Not bad, huh?!

Our Ten Cents:

We’re not suggesting you do anything illegal.  Or immoral.  But it is astounding the amount of materials America goes through in its yearly consumption of coffee. Any incentive a company gives for a person to use less is a good thing.

What We Can Do:

Buy a cup of coffee, save the cup, reuse it.  It’s that simple.  I’m not going to do the math for you on what you personally would save each year.  That depends on your daily consumption, although I know a couple people here who could have the down payment on a nice house in a few months time.

What I can tell you is that if everyone who buys a cup of coffee keeps their cup and uses it a second time, we’ll cut our paper and plastic coffee cup waste in half.  Three refills-a-person means we’re using 75% less cups, jackets and sleeves!  That adds up.

Sidebar: what do you do about those wooden stirrers?  I’ve never seen a product used so hastily and then discarded.  How about after you swirl your drink you hand it to the person next to you so they can reuse it?  What, are you afraid you’re going to give or get coffee cooties?  Maybe that’s a whole separate blog.

Yeah, these coffee companies have us hooked, and it’s not likely prices are going down any time soon (if ever), but it’s kind of refreshing to know you can save a cup and save a buck at the same time.  Now, I’ve got to head out and get me some caffeine…

Ted F

Comments

[Derek]

If you're speaking of Starbucks (and I'm not sure why you wouldn't just use the name), then I believe you're skirting the intention of the rule. You are eligable for a refill only during your original visit. You're not supposed to be able to leave and come back with an old cup.

Now, I'd love to see Starbucks sell re-usable coffee cups that could be refilled whenever for a slight discount...

[Ted Fawcett]

Hey, Derek, thanks for caring enough to comment. And thanks for visiting the GreenDimes website.

I can only speak of my experience with refilling coffee at…Starbucks. There, I said it. But check out this Starbucks’ employee’s blog for an insider’s view of the reality of refills:

http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=511

Sure, what I’ve described is a loophole, and one I’ll gladly take advantage of while it’s available. The bottom line is you can save a buck and really reduce waste at the same time.

You’re probably aware that if you bring in your own reusable travel mug they’ll take 10 cents off your purchase. Here’s my ten cents on that: it’s not enough. People will bring their own mug because they believe it’s the right thing to do, but not for the dime. However people might bring back their paper Starbucks cup for a buck, right?

The burden lies with Starbucks to come up with responsible policies. If they’re not doing that, but allow us a chance to vote with our dollar, so be it.

Just yesterday in fact I brought a paper cup back for its first refill. What did the guy behind the counter do? He threw it away and gave me a new one at the refill price. I protested saying that wasn’t necessary (because the motivation really is to reduce waste), but he responded that “It’s no problem”.

You don’t by chance own stock in this company, do you?!

Ted F

[Hicham]

Hey there

You can buy one of those Starbucks tumblers (about $ 15 + tax) and make use of their refill policy anyway @53 cents per refill! And still help the environment. (My friend does it all the time, so I know it works)