The Case Against Styrofoam Cups

mar2205_styrofoam.jpg
Why is it that chains like Timothy's as well as independent coffee shops like Shai's in Kensington Market still serve their coffee is styrofoam, er, polystyrene cups only? Haven't they noticed that Starbucks, and recently Second Cup are now only serving up java in the paper variety?

I don't ask the question just for environmental reasons. First and foremost, it's a health issue. Research shows that drinking hot beverages in styrofoam cups is bad for you. Rather than repeat the claims here, I'll refer you to various articles on the subject.

The sad thing is that most coffee shop owners probably don't know any better. The person I spoke to at Shai's fained ignorance on the matter. He claims they chose styrofoam because it makes the cups easier to hold.

Reader Reviews and Comments

Submit a Review or Comment

That's so depressing. I'm busy fighting the war against people using paper OR styrofoam when they are STAYING IN to drink their coffee. And how am I going to get anyone to care about that, when places are using 1980s coffee cups and the customers are ok with that??!! geez. in both cases, i wish people would stop and think for two seconds!

Posted by: catherine at March 23, 2005 9:42 AM

2 words: Travel Mug. Cut down on any extra drink wastes by sporting your own mug and stick it to the styrafoams and paper cups of the nation.

Posted by: Jus at March 23, 2005 11:24 AM

I've never understood why more coffee shops aren't using true bio-degradable cups for their coffee-to-go clientele.

http://www.clovernook.org/prod02.htm

Posted by: garth breaks at March 23, 2005 12:02 PM

$$$$ and ignorance would be my guess. but at the end of the day, if enough consumers demanded it, they'd switch.

Posted by: tim [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 24, 2005 2:20 PM

good for the environment ... yes, but i choose coffee houses with paper cups because i can't stand the screech of my fingers on the styrofoam. fingers on a blackboard anyone?

Posted by: johnt at March 25, 2005 3:19 PM

Post a comment

Remember Me?

Email This Entry

Email 'The Case Against Styrofoam Cups' to: Message (optional):
Your email address:

Please type the verification code displayed in the image:

By forwarding this entry to a friend, we do not opt you or your friend into
receiving any additional mailings from blogTO. We hate spam too.
Disclaimer: Comments and blog entries represent the viewpoints of the individual and no one else.