Say No to Disposable Coffee Cups & Stop Drinking Microplastics

♻️ We all know the environmental impact of takeaway coffee cups BUT did you know your ‘paper coffee cup is actually lined with plastic?

Hot coffee can cause the plastic container to release chemicals into the beverage? BPA, Phthalates (making the plastic flexible) and of course avoid the Styrene (found in polystyrene, can leach into hot liquids and may have potential carcinogenic effects).

But let’s not forget about microplastics contamination. Studies have shown that hot liquids can cause microplastics to shed from plastic containers into the drink. Regular ingestion of microplastics may lead to unknown long-term health impacts, including potential inflammation or accumulation in organs.

It’s an easy swap to make. Hope these better takeaway cup recommendations help you make 2025 the year of the bring-your-own!

the research

World wide, the vast majority of paper cups have an interior that is laminated with plastic (polyethylene) and sometimes of copolymers.

Turns out, the negative environmental impact isn’t the only threat posed by single-use paper cups.

Hot water was poured into disposable paper cups and allowed to sit in them for 15 mins.... confirming that the paper cups released microplastic particles into the liquid. ....approximately 25,000 micron‐sized microplastics.....” (source)

Microplastics act as carriers for contaminants like toxic heavy metals such as palladium, chromium & cadmium, as well as organic compounds that are hydrophobic (water repelling) & can cross over into humans. When ingested regularly over time, the health implications may be serious.

Even if plant-derived materials are used—such as polylactic acid, other chemicals found in these plastics include UV light stabilisers, flame retardants, plasticisers, and a detergent-like substance nonylphenol. (source)

so what to do?

Use a reusable coffee cup! But obviously not one with a plastic base!

The vast majority of coffee cups have either plastic or silicone lids. The lid doesn’t spend the majority of time in contact with hot liquid however, so thats a compromise I’m OK with personally.

Remember progress over perfection always.

my avoid, better, best list

the takeaway (no pun intended!)

Am i saying NEVER get a takeaway coffee in a disposable cup? Nope. If I forget mine and desperately need some caffeination, I may still use one. But drink quickly so your hot beverage is not in there too long.

If you get herbal teas at cafe’s I’d be more inclined to be 100% with takeaway vessels as the water is a lot hotter than warmed milk.

All that to say, do your best, be empowered with this education and remember your takeaway coffee/tea cup as much as you can.

cleanest at home coffee beans and discount codes

Choosing to make your own coffee at home? I’ve got you covered!

There are lots of 'organic' coffee brands available (and I HIGHLY recommend you spend the extra money to buy them as coffee is the most sprayed crop globally!) but when choosing coffee, I look for the biogro certified logo in NZ (ACO logo in Australia and and the USDA organic logo in US), so you can trust they are genuine organic products (a lot of companies write 'organic' but don't actually have certification + haven't been through the process to ensure they're ACTUALLY spray free).

🫘.My fav coffee right now is Chiasso Coffee Roasters. Grab 20% off with code 'nicky20' (not affiliated just cheaper for you!)

🫘 If you're in Australia, I love Byron Bay. Coffee Company which you can grab from The Jivita Way and snag $15 off with code NOURISHED15 (order over $130)