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.

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