Many coffee companies are still not accepting reusable coffee cups, despite scientists concluding they can be used safely despite COVID-19.
Coffee chains including Greggs and Pret A Manger have been accused of contributing to a “waste mountain” by refusing reusable cups.
Environmental groups campaigning against plastic waste started a petition calling on Britain’s biggest coffee chains to end the practice and “put reusables back on the menu”.
City to Sea, petition organisers, have been supported by 14 green groups such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and Surfers Against Sewage.
According to the petition, businesses make up a considerable share of takeaway sales within the UK. By refusing to let their customers choose to reuse, they are contributing to a mountain of entirely avoidable waste.
Major coffee chains stopped allowing reusables at the start of pandemic amid fears they could help spread the virus.
In June more than 100 experts signed an open letter stating reusables are safe as long as they are cleaned between each use. Since then, Costa Coffee and Starbucks have changed their ban.
Many coffee shops such as Pret A Manger, Greggs, McDonald’s and Caffe Nero are still not allowing reusables, and have not set a date for when that will change.
Whilst we completely understand that this is a challenging time for many food service businesses, reusables can be used safely and accepting them doesn’t have to be complicated – in fact, it can be super simple.
