Take-away coffee is a luxury I just can’t quit. Yes, I know that the cost adds up to an extortionate sum annually, but hey, it’s one of my little treats to myself. I love coffee and the office-supplied instant rubbish just doesn’t cut it for my daily caffeine hit.
Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of such addictions is the amount of waste produced by takeaway coffee cups.
NB: This post contains affiliate links (marked with *), which means that if you purchase a product via the link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What’s the Big Deal?
According to a 2011 survey by Which?, an estimated 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups are thrown away in the UK each year. 2.5 BILLION! As the coffee industry has expanded even more over the past seven years, the Environmental Audit Committee estimates that this number would be significantly larger today.
But hang on, aren’t people recycling their cups?
Unfortunately, because there’s a film of plastic between the cup layers to stop seepage, the cups are not recyclable in most areas in the UK. In fact, there are only three plants throughout the whole of the country that are able to recycle these cups. Even the lids are only recyclable in some councils. Due to these restrictions, only 1 per cent of the billions of coffee cups disposed of annually are recycled. Ouch.
To add insult to injury, many paper cups are made from virgin paper pulp. ie. paper made from trees felled just to make the cups, rather than from recycled materials.
Seems a hefty price to pay for five minutes of enjoyment.
WHY SHOULD I GET A REUSABLE COFFEE CUP?
Enter the rise of the reusable cup.
Of course, travel mugs have long been around but in recent times, they have evolved from being something you may use just on the run to something you use in lieu of a standard takeaway cup.
Not only do reusable cups save the environment, they will save you money in the long run. In the UK, all major chains and many independent cafes now offer a discount when you bring your own cup. This usually ranges from 10p at smaller, independent cafes to up to 25p at most chains. Pret wins the discount war, with a massive 50p off every time you use your own cup!
In addition, there’s talk of the government introducing a 25p levy on disposable cups. Given the difference the plastic bag charge has made, I’m all behind this.
If nothing else, reusable coffee cups are convenient, cute and cost-effective. You can pick up a reusable cup for as little as a Pound, however I’ve found the cheaper ones usually give your coffee a slightly plastic-y taste; it’s definitely worth shelling out a few extra quid for something long-lasting and non-tainting to your brew. Besides, with most cafes offering own-cup discounts, you’ll make your money back pretty quickly.
Here are my top picks!
THE BEST REUSABLE COFFEE CUPS ON THE MARKET
Ecoffee Cup
Maybe I’m biased because this is what I personally use but Ecoffee Cups are seriously awesome. With nearly 100 gorgeous designs ranging from solid colours and classic prints, to bright, contemporary patterns, there really is something for everyone. The cups are made from sustainable and biodegradable bamboo fibre, the silicone lids mean there’s no leakage or drips, and the whole lot is dishwasher-safe.
Available in 250ml, 340ml and 400ml from £7.95
KeepCup
KeepCups are available in the biggest range of sizes I’ve found (five in total!) so there should be something to suit everyone. Their diverse range includes cups made from coloured plastic, see-through plastic, and tempered glass and cork. They have a bunch of special-edition designs including Star Wars, Sea Shepherd, and an exclusive Caffe Nero collaboration. You can also design your own by mixing-and-matching the cup type, colour and lid. They are a cute and lightweight option.
Available in 120ml, 180ml, 240ml, 340ml or 440ml from £7.00
Frank Green SmartCup
For any minimalists out there, the Australian-owned and designed Frank Green SmartCup is the perfect choice. The sleek design features a push button lid and a double-walled outer layer to keep your drink warmer for longer. You can customise the colours of the base, lid and button for a unique design. The materials are not only stain and odour resistant, they are recyclable at the end of their life. Swoon.
Available in 230ml or 340ml from £19.99
If you want a more classic travel mug design, the Vacuum Travel Mug from Bodum is the perfect choice. Made from heat-retaining stainless steel with a range of cup and sleeve colours, the mugs are sleek and practical. They also have a range exclusive to John Lewis with snazzy colours like copper, gold and gun metal.
Available in 350ml from £12.99*
Beau & Eliot Champagne Edit Insulated Travel Mug
For a pretty yet practical mug, Beau & Eliot’s travel mug from the Champagne Edit range is just the thing. With its pink body, gold heart details and sleek grey lid, the cup is pretty yet understated. It holds a decent amount of coffee and the double-walled insulation keeps drinks warm for up to four hours.
Available in 500ml from £12.00
Aladdin Recycled and Recyclable Mug
For a fuss-free but smart design for your morning commute, the Aladdin Recycled & Recyclable Mug is just the thing. Available in bright purple, green, or blue, these eco-friendly cups are not only made from recycled plastic but are another range that’s recyclable at the end of their life. The lid is leak-proof and the double-walled insulation insures your brew doesn’t go cold. The cup is also dishwasher and microwave safe (though if you microwave coffee, I’m not sure we can be friends).
Stojo Collapsible Pocket Cup
If you like the idea of a reusable coffee cup but they all seem a bit too bulky, check out the Stojo Collapsible Pocket Cup. Though it holds 350ml, the cup collapses down to the size of the lid and remains leak-proof so you can stash it in your bag or pocket without worry. Made from recycled materials, the cup comes in a range of bright colours and once extended, the heat sleeve holds the cup’s shape.
Available in 350ml from £9.99*
JOCO Reusable Glass Coffee Cup
The JOCO travel mug is another sleek glass design with lids and sleeves in a range of colours. Made from lightweight borosilicate glass, it’s 100% plastic free so it won’t affect the taste of your drink and the splash-proof lid is extra-deep to stop any nose-to-lid contact. The cups are available in standard barista sizes of 235ml, 350ml or 475ml, so no more guessing between “tall” or “grande” at the till!
Available in 235ml, 350ml or 475ml from £21.99*
Which do you think the best of these reusable coffee cups? Let me know in the comments!
I love reusable coffee cups, so much so that I’ve collected quite a bit of them. When I see a new one that’s attractive or has a feature I like – I end up buying it. It’s a bit of an addiction. I love the look of all the cups you reviewed. Especially the ones that can fit in the car cup holders (a big plus). Thanks for sharing your review!
I have a little collection too but my Ecoffee Cup is definitely my favourite right now! Enjoy if you do add to your collection! 😉
I could not be without my Keep Cup! I am glued to it. Once you switch there is no going back is there? The Ecoffee cups are beautiful as well as the glass Joco ones! Perfect gift ideas thank you!
Exactly! I left my Ecoffee Cup at home once and felt TERRIBLE buying coffee without it! Even though I’ve only had it six months or so, it seems so wrong not to use it now. Plus, they’re so much prettier than a paper cup! 🙂
These are all so cool. Last Christmas I got a Starbucks travel mug and vowed to not use any more of the nasty non-biodegradable ones. I am now coveting some of these designs though!
Amy – http://amyevans.co.uk
Ha! I love my ecoffee cup but I’m always super-tempted when I see other cute designs! Can’t hurt to have a little collection, right?! 😉
This is such a good idea! I don’t drink coffee but everyone else I know does, I might have to show them this post to get ideas on what coffee cups to buy
Thanks so much! They’re really cute so great for presents. 🙂
So hard for me not to buy them ALL! 😉
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Yes girl! Love the enviroment awareness you’re spreading 🙂 Got my own reusable cup a few months ago and it feels great to not waste coffee cups and bottles!
Thank you! 🙂 I love my reusable coffee cup and feel good every time I use it! I have reusable water bottles too, which are great.
I like all of them but the Beau & Eliot is at the top of my list because of its 500ml size, less than 500ml true organic coffee to me isn’t enough 😃hahaha and the second at the top of my list is the Aladdin because of its violet color. Thank you to this helpful blog of yours about Eco-Living: 8 of the Best Reusable Coffee Cups.
Haha, size is definitely important when it comes to coffee!
I absolutely agree with you. I will give you in person in the near future true organic coffee that I’m getting from indigenous/ethnic/tribe people in the highland mountains which is hundreds of kilometers away from my humble abode. For you, I’ll get the fresh true organic coffee fruits/cherries, sundried them myself, peel them myself, roast them myself, and ground it myself absolutely for you. It’s not a joke 😃 I’ll do it for you and give it to you in person in the near future. Have a great and cool time Sarah.
love this list! I have an ecocoffee cup and it’s beautiful too, had it for ages and no complaints. I had to wash it with some baking soda to remove the stain a bit, just not to give the coffee companies any excuse not to fill it up. Though I really need to see where I can get my hands on a Stojo – would be much more convenient for my travelling s!
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