Where can you take your reusable cup in the UK

Hey readers, 

 The push towards sustainability is stronger than ever, and one of the simplest ways to contribute to a greener planet is by using a reusable cup for your daily coffee or tea.

 

In the UK, this practice is not only encouraged by environmental advocates but also supported by many coffee shops, cafes, and chains.

 Carrying a reusable cup is a small change with a big impact, helping to reduce the estimated 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups that are discarded in the UK each year.

 But where can you take your reusable cup? This guide will explore the various places in the UK that welcome reusable cups, often rewarding customers for their environmentally friendly choice.

 1. Major Coffee Chains.

 Many of the UK’s major coffee chains have embraced the use of reusable cups, offering incentives like discounts or loyalty points to encourage their use.

 **Costa Coffee:** 

Costa, one of the UK’s largest coffee chains, allows customers to use their reusable cups at all of its outlets. 

The chain offers a 25p discount on any drink when you bring your own cup. Additionally, Costa has launched its own line of reusable cups, which are available for purchase in-store. 

 **Starbucks:**

 Starbucks has been a leader in the reusable cup movement for years. In the UK, Starbucks offers a 25p discount for customers who bring their own cup.

 They also charge 5p for a paper cup to encourage more customers to switch to reusable options. Starbucks even introduced a “Borrow a Cup” scheme in select locations, where customers can borrow a reusable cup for a small deposit, which is refunded when the cup is returned. 

**Pret A Manger:** 

Pret offers a 50p discount on hot drinks for customers who bring their own reusable cup. This substantial discount is part of Pret’s broader commitment to sustainability, and it's available across all Pret locations in the UK. 

**Caffè Nero:**

 Caffè Nero rewards customers with double loyalty stamps when they use a reusable cup. 

This means you can enjoy a free drink twice as fast if you regularly bring your own cup. 

2. Independent Coffee Shops.

Independent coffee shops are often at the forefront of the sustainability movement, and many across the UK are happy to serve your drink in a reusable cup. 

Supporting these businesses not only helps the environment but also contributes to local economies.

 **Local Cafes:**

Across cities and towns in the UK, many independent cafes welcome reusable cups and may even offer discounts to encourage their use. 

It’s always worth asking if they offer any incentives or discounts for bringing your own cup. 

**Zero-Waste Cafes:** 

Some cafes go a step further by adopting a zero-waste philosophy. These establishments often encourage customers to bring their own cups, containers, and cutlery.

 Places like **Unwrapped** in Sheffield and **Earthling Ed’s Unity Diner** in London are examples of such businesses where sustainability is a core value. 

3. Supermarkets and convenience stores.

As part of their environmental commitments, several supermarkets and convenience stores in the UK have started offering discounts or incentives to customers who bring their own reusable cups. 

 **Waitrose:** 

Waitrose made headlines when they stopped offering disposable coffee cups in their stores with in-house cafes.

 Instead, customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups. Waitrose’s loyalty cardholders can enjoy a free coffee when they bring their reusable cup.

 **Marks & Spencer:** 

Marks & Spencer cafes offer a 25p discount on hot drinks for customers who bring a reusable cup.

 This initiative is part of their Plan A commitment to become a more sustainable business. 

**Co-op:**

 The Co-op has also introduced a 25p discount for customers using their own reusable cup at participating Co-op Food stores with coffee machines.

 This move is part of the Co-op’s broader sustainability goals, which include reducing single-use plastics. 

 4. Events and Festivals.

Many events and festivals in the UK are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental impact. 

Reusable cups are often encouraged or even required at these gatherings. 

**Music Festivals:** 

Some music festivals, such as Glastonbury and Latitude, have started initiatives to reduce waste, including discouraging single-use cups. 

At these events, bringing a reusable cup is often a must, and some festivals even offer reusable cups as part of their merchandise.

 **Street Food Markets:** 

At street food markets like **Borough Market** in London, sustainability is a key focus.

 Many vendors are happy to fill your reusable cup, and some markets even have dedicated water refill stations to reduce the need for bottled water. 

 5. **Workplaces and Universities.

 Many workplaces and universities across the UK are implementing sustainability programs that encourage the use of reusable cups.

 **Corporate Initiatives:** 

Some companies offer reusable cups as part of their onboarding packages to new employees or provide discounts at in-house cafes for those who bring their own cups. 

It’s worth checking with your employer to see if any such initiatives are in place.

**University Campuses:**

 Universities like **The University of Edinburgh** and **The University of Bristol** have implemented schemes where students and staff receive discounts at campus cafes when using reusable cups.

 Some universities also offer loyalty programs or prizes for consistent use of reusable cups.

 6. **On the Go: Travel and Leisure.

When travelling or enjoying leisure activities, there are still plenty of opportunities to use your reusable cup.

 **Train Stations and Airports:** 

Many coffee shops in train stations and airports, such as those operated by **Upper Crust** or **WHSmith**, allow and even encourage the use of reusable cups.

 Just be mindful of airport security rules regarding liquids when bringing a filled cup through security.

 **Tourist Attractions:** 

Attractions like **The Eden Project** and **The National Trust** sites often have sustainability initiatives in place, including the promotion of reusable cups at their cafes. 

Some attractions might even offer a small discount as a reward for eco-conscious visitors.

  7. Refill App: Finding Locations That Support Reusable Cups.

 The **Refill App** is a fantastic resource for locating businesses that support the use of reusable cups and bottles. 

Originally focused on water refills, many of the locations listed also encourage the use of reusable coffee cups. 

The app is user-friendly and allows you to find nearby cafes, shops, and stations that welcome reusable containers. 

Make the Switch and Sip Sustainably In the UK, there’s a growing movement towards sustainability, and taking your reusable cup with you is a simple yet powerful way to contribute. 

From major coffee chains and independent cafes to supermarkets, events, and even workplaces, there are countless opportunities to make use of your reusable cup. 

Not only does this habit reduce waste, but it also often comes with financial incentives, making it a win-win situation. 

So, next time you head out for your daily coffee, don’t forget to grab your reusable cup. 

It’s a small change that can have a significant impact on the environment and it’s easier than ever to find places across the UK that will happily fill your cup, helping you to sip sustainably.

Cheers for reading X