After our inspiring chat with Lauren Singer from trashisfortossers, we were charged up about starting our journey to minimising waste in our day-to-day lives. We were thrilled when this fabulous bamboo mug landed on our desks – almost as if the universe was saying – “here you go, a little something to get you started”.

Did you know that it is estimated that as many as 100 billion coffee single-use cups are being thrown away each year? It’s completely staggering and should definitely be cause for thought, especially within our rapidly growing coffee culture. We’re excited that, Ecoffee Cup, a local brand is challenging South Africa’s contribution to the waste epidemic with a unique range of reusable and recyclable take away cups. They not only serve an incredible purpose, but they look pretty stylish too.

In the words of Joris van Grieken, Marketing Director at Ecoffee Cup, “It’s a big problem needing a big and beautiful solution; the cup stops here. Within less than two decades humans have become a “plastic” society – with something like 90% of all plastic created being used for single-use items.

Van Grieken says, “In 2015, when we read that half a trillion single use cups get manufactured each year (and that most of these end up as landfill) – we felt that what society was doing was creating more harm than good. So we set out to make some change; not revolutionary but somehow contributory to social good. We certainly never set out to be eco-warriors, but once you become aware of the unsustainability of single-use items, you realise that everyone needs to change. And therefore we created a product that is environmentally very strong and beautifully designed.”

Created with the world’s fastest growing, most sustainable crop –  naturally organic, bamboo fibre and non-GMO corn starch, Ecoffee Cup is BPA and phthalate free a tactile experience similar to thick, yet light cardboard. Fast growing, quickly renewable and highly sustainable, bamboo is a naturally organic crop that uses no pesticides in its farming.Bamboo is also naturally sterile, preventing flavour taint and, unlike plastic, it contains no petrochemicals and is biodegradable at the end of its lifecycle. The material is also super light – just 135g – and it has a fully-resealable ‘drip-proof’ lid making it perfect to take with you everywhere you go. The cup itself is dishwasher safe and should last for years – if you treat it nicely of course.

Explains founder and head designer, David McKlagan, “Our design philosophy is a simple one: Have Fun. Do Good. We think there should be an Ecoffee Cup for everyone, that’s why we have more and more designs from international designers.

Our influences come from the streets of Kyoto, or holy sites of Isfahan – to the coffee houses of Stockholm and hipster bars of Melbourne. He concludes, “I think we have definitely hit the zeitgeist, especially in places like Germany, France and Scandinavia where taxes on single-use items are imminent. Something like this even makes for a great socially conscious gift. Every time you use your Ecoffee Cup you’re helping make a tiny dent in the 100 billion single-use coffee cups that go to landfill each year!” If that isn’t motivation, we don’t know what is.

We suggest purchasing a few and keeping as stocking stuffers for the festive season – give a gift with conscience and know that you, and your buddies, are making a move towards living more mindfully. As our zero-waste friend, Lauren Singer (trashisfortossers) told us, it’s about making small, manageable changes in your day-to-day life. Purchasing an Ecoffee Cup is a step in the right direction. Now all we need is for our local coffee shops to get in board and help towards minimising this massive issue. Perhaps a rebate or discount to customers who bring their own cup? Let’s see who takes responsibility and takes the lead.

Ecoffee Cups are available in 14 designs and in 400 ml (R189) and 340 ml (R199) sizes. For more information, on local stockists and to purchase online.

ecoffeecup.co.za | Facebook | Twitter #stopthebillion

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