Refill and Reuse: The Latest Eco-Friendly Drinking Trend

A short while ago, Leeds University Union decided to make a drastic decision and stop the sale of bottled still water in certain areas of campus. Some people, of course, were upset. After all, bottled still water was one of the healthiest choices you could make when picking up a meal-deal in the Union supermarket, Essentials. However, the reasoning behind the cessation of sales of bottled still water was a smart, eco-friendly move made by the University.

The University is encouraging refilling and reusing your own bottle; they highlight the fact that there are lots of water fountains all over campus to fill up, and this should lead to a reduction in the amount of plastic waste from water bottles.

The Latte Levy

In January, there was a call for a ‘latte levy’ from the Environmental Audit Committee, which is essentially a 25p charge on each disposable coffee cup, similar to the 5p charge we now receive in supermarkets for a plastic bag. Research has shown that 2.5 billion paper cups are thrown away by the UK, with less than 1% of these being recycled. Coffee retailers are now rewarding customers for bringing in their own reusable coffee flask by offering them money off their drink when they use their own thermal mug. For instance:

  • Pret a Manger: 50p discount
  • Leon: 30p discount
  • Starbucks and Costa Coffee: 25p discount
  • Greggs: 20p discount

Similarly, The Edit Room, a library café on Leeds University Campus, has begun selling their own travel mugs and flasks, with the promise of a free coffee when one is purchased. They even charge 10p for a disposable cup should you wish to make your own coffee, in an act to discourage students from not bringing their own flask.

The Benefits

We love travel mugs and reusable water bottles because, in terms of branding, they boast a huge wrap-around space for printing for maximum impact of your marketing message. We’ve got a huge range of styles, from sports bottles to fruit infuser bottles, to Pantone-matched travel mugs and more.

Whilst the benefits are there for your brand in terms of sharing your brand logo, the benefits are also there for the environment. Every time your promotional water bottle is filled up, or your reusable flask is filled with coffee, you will be contributing one less plastic water bottle/disposable cup to the waste that the UK is currently dealing with.

Written by

Katie Reed | Product Manager & Head of Artwork

With 13 years of experience in the promotional merchandise industry, Katie speaks with true authority about all matters related to promotional products. Her attention to detail and creative flair ensure that product details, prices, imagery and descriptions are accurate and answer all our customers' questions. Her articles and other product-related content have become truly trusted sources of information and inspiration for anyone deciding on their next promotional product order. In another life, Katie would have been a star Quidditch player.

Connect with Katie Reed on LinkedIn Connect with Katie Reed on LinkedIn

The TM Edit: 10 of the Best Recycled Promotional Items

The TM Edit: 10 of the Best Recycled Promotional Items

Promotional items made from recycled materials are becoming increasingly popular with businesses across the UK.  Offering a great way to add an eco-friendly touch t

12 Amazing BRIMAN Discounts To Make The Most Of This Spring

12 Amazing BRIMAN Discounts To Make The Most Of This Spring

Total Merchandise was recently named the winner of the Briman Award: an important accolade that acknowledges our support of British-made promotional products. As part of

Plantable Promotional Products To Let Your Brand Bloom In Spring 2024

Plantable Promotional Products To Let Your Brand Bloom In Spring 2024

Winter is slowly edging away - well, kind of - and now's the perfect time to start planning for your spring marketing activity. And what better way to grow your bran

Promotional Merchandise Items That Can Help Mental Wellbeing

Promotional Merchandise Items That Can Help Mental Wellbeing

The conversation around mental health and wellbeing is growing ever-louder and - it goes without saying - with due cause. With levels of stress, anxiety and depression at all-ti

Revealed: The Best-Selling Promotional Products Of 2023

Revealed: The Best-Selling Promotional Products Of 2023

It's safe to say that 2023 has been quite the year for Total Merchandise. Over the last 12 months, we've hit some major milestones, grown our team, hosted our fi

The TM Edit: Top 10 Novelty Gifts That Your Customers Will Love

The TM Edit: Top 10 Novelty Gifts That Your Customers Will Love

Are you looking for something unique to add some fun to your promotional activity? Well, we're here to help - look no further than our range of novelty giveaways for th

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

If you've never ordered promotional products before, it can feel a little overwhelming. After all, there are countless product options out there and it can be hard t

The Best Promotional Stress Relievers For Your Staff

The Best Promotional Stress Relievers For Your Staff

April is officially Stress Awareness Month, meaning it's the perfect opportunity to give some thought to how you can support your colleagues through tricky times. 

The Best Promotional Football Products To Kick-Off Euro 2024

The Best Promotional Football Products To Kick-Off Euro 2024

Want to get your business involved in Euro 2024? For the uninitiated, UEFA's iconic international football tournament will kick-off in June 2024 and be watched by mi