There are billions of single-use coffee cups that are thrown out every year and Blue Bottle is taking a stance against single-use plastic waste by testing a new "zero-single-use-cup program" in the San Francisco Bay Area. As Blue Bottle CEO Bryan Meehan puts it, "We are proud to announce an experiment that may not work, that may cost us money, and that may make your life a little more complicated."
As part of this program, Blue Bottle will be inviting people to bring their own cup to fill or use one of the non-disposable ones it provides, which can be returned and cleaned.
By the end of 2020, Blue Bottle is aiming to turn all of its US cafes zero waste—according to the Zero Waste International Alliance, this means at least 90 percent of waste is diverted from the landfill.
Zero Waste Cafes
Blue Bottle Coffee is Testing a "Zero-Single-Use-Cup" Program
Trend Themes
1. Zero Waste Programs - Implementing zero waste programs in cafes can significantly reduce single-use waste and promote sustainability.
2. Reusable Cup Initiatives - Encouraging customers to bring their own cups or providing non-disposable ones promotes waste reduction and encourages a circular economy.
3. Zero Waste Movement - The zero waste movement is gaining momentum as businesses and consumers prioritize sustainable practices.
Industry Implications
1. Coffee Shops & Cafes - Coffee shops and cafes can adopt zero waste programs to reduce their environmental impact and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Waste Management - Waste management companies can offer solutions and services to help cafes and other businesses achieve zero waste goals.
3. Sustainability Consulting - Sustainability consulting firms can assist cafes in implementing zero waste programs and developing environmentally friendly practices.