Top 6 Disposable and Sustainable Coffee Cups
Though we always preach and encourage the use of long-lasting, reusable coffee cups, sometimes you are going to need the convenience of just picking up something that you don’t have to worry about once you are done with the coffee. Maybe your journey is going to take you to a place that doesn’t allow carry-ons or maybe you are just going for a run or maybe you’re hosting people at home. Whatever the reason, it helps to have disposable sustainable coffee cups as a backup to your regular drinking cup.
Pro Tips To Keep In Mind
- We like to support brands that have something unique going for their mission statement. We like to know that the products we buy are going to the right people with the right intentions for the environment.
- Check the reviews for the cup’s ability to insulate hot beverages. These cups are often made from materials that are meant to disintegrate. Since they disintegrate easily, they may be poor insulators of heat. You don’t want something that you can barely hold in your hand as it gets filled with hot coffee.
- Though buying in bulk can lead to significant savings, we don’t recommend that you get used to these. Despite the savings, we recommend that you only buy these as a last option when you need a convenient take away disposable cup. Try to use your reusable coffee cup whenever possible. Though the disposable cups are engineered to not be a strain on the environment, nothing is going to match the benefits of a reusable cup in the long run.
- When buying disposable sustainable coffee cups, remember that you need them to be biodegradable and/or compostable. Certifications are important to judge the biodegradable qualities of single use cups. It helps you cut through the fancy marketing buzzwords. The certifications help you choose the correct cup that matches your required features, design and budget. Look at this exhaustive list if you are in doubt.
We picked the best of all the options on Amazon. Each of them has something interesting going for them.
Repurpose 100% Compostable Plant-Based Clear Cold Cup
First, let us begin with cups that would be perfect for serving up chilled lemonade or punch at a barbecue. These are BPI certified compostable cups with a clear body and important identifying details printed on the outside. The cup material is BPA free and made from plants. It eschews the use of petroleum which helps reduce the CO2 levels. Even the ink that is used to print on the cups is made from vegetable-based inks. The product understands its target audience and makes no compromises on its promise. Again we should remind you that this cup cannot be used for hot beverages. It makes sense to not waste your disposable, sustainable coffee cups on cold beverages.
Special Green Grass Design, Paper Hot Cup,Eco-friendly
These 8-ounce cups are made to be 100% biodegradable and compostable. They have bold text on the outside that clearly states that. Along with the green grass design on the outside, it leaves no doubt about who this product is made for. You will get questions from your guests when you serve them hot coffee in these cups. The 8 oz size is perfect to take with you camping although they also come in bigger sizes. They also come in other designs if the green grass is not your thing.
AmazonBasics Compostable 8 oz. Hot Paper Cup
If you are looking to buy a huge number in bulk and don’t care much about design then these basic cups are a godsend. They are plain white cups made from PLA laminated paper and nothing about them gives away their biodegradable secret. They are unassuming and plain but sturdy and functional. One thing to keep in mind is that these cups are compostable only in commercial facilities. If you have a home compost, these will not work for you. You will have to save them after they are used and carry them to a facility to properly dispose of them. However, you will save a LOT of money with these cups if you get a 1000 pack.
Sugarcane Cup (Case of 50), PacknWood – Compostable and Biodegradable Party Cups
These disposable and sustainable coffee cups have a great twist. They are made from residuals of the sugarcane plant after it is processed for sugar. The cups work for both hot and cold drinks. They are grease-resistant and microwavable. Some people have complained that you may have some trouble pulling them apart from the stack. We like the concept behind these cups so much that we are willing to overlook that as a delivery flaw. You might want to try your luck. They are a little on the pricier side for the number of cups that you get. The company that makes these, PacknWood has been making environmentally sustainable tableware for over 35 years from Manhattan.
Disposable Compostable Coffee Cups with Lids, Stirrers, and Sleeves
If you are in the market for larger sizes of cups with accessories to match, you might like these. If you need to buy in bulk for selling coffee at your local fair or yard sale, these are a great option. They come with lids, stirrers, and integrated sleeves the latter of which provide excellent insulation. This package has everything you need to be a barista. The cups are made from 70% bagasse which is the waste product from sugarcane and 30% wood pulp. The stirrers are made from birch wood. The cups are BPI certified.
World Centric’s 100% Biodegradable, 100% Compostable Paper PLA-Lined Coffee Cup
These are double-walled cups that have great insulation. They are made from Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper and have a special NatureWorks Ingeo biopolymer plastic lining on the outside. The lining is a special patented formula made from corn grown in the USA. Except for the lid, the cup is microwave safe.
We would only buy these disposable and sustainable coffee cups if we have to prepare for an occasion that requires them. It is easy to get very comfortable using them on a daily basis. Composting, though sustainable, still requires some effort which some people may put off due to laziness. We urge you to purchase these cups only if they are essential. Be responsible and enjoy your coffee!
Love,
Scooch and Steve
