Become green one cup at a time
No cup, no coffee.
Some places such as Arcata, Calif., are known for contributions to the green-friendly lifestyle, especially when it comes to coffee cups.
Brenda Cooper, professor in the journalism department, said that within the city limits of Arcata, all fast food is banned and to-go cups are taboo. This means at coffee shops, it is socially mandatory that customers either bring their own mug from home or stay in the shop and drink. To do otherwise is against the social norm, she said.
Many plastic foam cups are thrown away each year and will virtually never decompose.
However, some of Logan’s coffee shops are making it a point to do what’s best for the environment.
Caffe Ibis, a coffee-roasting business found in the Taggart Student Center, the Merrill-Cazier Library and downtown Logan, is making a conscious effort to be more eco-friendly, Sally Sears said. Sears, one of the co-owners at Caffe Ibis, said all of their cups are white pressed paper, a biodegradable material. Their lids are also made of a biodegradable material, she said, which costs five cents more than a regular plastic lid, making it a non-mandatory yet thoughtful gesture to all those Green Party members.
Citrus and Sage, also located in downtown Logan, is doing its part to support the eco-friendly trend, said manager Leticia Borrego. Borrego said buying a good cup of coffee to-stay in their shop is relatively cheap. However, bringing in their own mug is cheaper by 75 cents, Borrego said. Recycle bins can also be found next to every trash can to encourage customers to recycle.
Local shops aren’t the only stores trying out eco-friendly products: Starbucks has joined the ranks. Anna Kim-Williams, Starbucks spokesperson, said Starbucks has come out with a 10 percent post-consumer recycled fiber white cup which can be recycled at specific facilities. It is also an option at the Logan Starbucks to order ceramic wear so customers may enjoy their beverage without using any white to-go cups.