WHO KNEW You Can Take Your Own Cup to Your Favorite Coffee Shop Again?

I just returned from vacation in Maine and was able to try several local coffee shops. I was so surprised to see no one bringing their own cups. It had seemed before the pandemic that more and more people were bringing their own cups and avoiding plastic and paper waste. But now I am afraid the trend is the other way.

A week or so ago, I asked at one of my favorite coffee shops in Hanover if people are bringing their own cups. The barista said, “Oh, one or two.” Maybe people are not aware that they can now bring their own cups. In all the shops where I have brought my own, I have had no trouble using them. I even saw a sign in StarBucks encouraging people to use SB reusable mugs in house or bring their own.

This is one easy way we can help reduce plastic and paper use. Besides the waste reduction, the iced drinks stay cold and the hot drinks stay hot for hours in my insulated cup AND I save a dime for my next coffee in the process!