Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Melinda Pensinger on September 10, 2008 at 8:27am

I purchase my cups from Sysco. They offer a line of compostable hot cups made by Eco-Products in Boulder CO. I use the World Art Design which is a map of the continents with some information on conservation. Only drawbacks are that we have to use sleeves with them and the lids (one size fits 12, 16, and 20 oz which is nice) are not compostable. I notice no paper taste in the cup. I'm very happy with them.

We encourage our customers to toss the lids in the recycling bin. We also use compostable cold cups from the same company. Unfortunately there is no county-wide composting program, so for now they are also placed in recycling. These do have compostable flat and dome lids (again, one size for 12, 16, and 20 oz cups). The cup is made of corn plastic and is clear with a green band that says "100% compostable." We also use their compostable straws. Only drawback with these is that when left in a car (here in SW FL), the straw bends and the lids flatten so they aren't tight to the cup. I just sent an e-mail to my customers with that warning; most were happy to know we're using compostable products.

We use compostable forks, spoons, and knives as well (also corn plastic). Same issue with using the forks in warm foods.

We once received a shipment of the cold cups where they were misshapen due to heat, but those were replaced with no hassle by Eco-Products.

Peace,
Melinda

Permalink Reply by Dan Dean on September 10, 2008 at 2:53pm

Just curious - and excuse my ignorance - I actually have tried to get ahold of the Green Restaurant Association - but have been playing phone tag for a month now - anyway - what does it mean that a cup is compostable and/or eco-friendly? What about the cost? Is the fact that you are "going green" helping business? Do you pass on the added cost to the customer?We do encourage customers to use reusable travel mugs by giving a five percent discount. If they purchase one of ours we give the first cup free.

thanks for the input - dd

Permalink Reply by Melinda Pensinger on September 11, 2008 at 5:06am

I had no success in trying to help either. I was surprised to find when I called our county recycling coordinator that there is no model of any other restaurant who has a "recycling program."

On the Eco-Products web site www.ecoproducts.com, there is an FAQ page that explains the composting and biodegrading. Unfortunately, without a community composting facility, I feel I'm losing some of the benefit. But there is some talk in the community about bringing that into being and I'll be ready.

In the meantime, my customers think it's great that we're making an effort. I send a weekly e-mail to over 300 persons in my Frequent Buyer Program. I received a greater response to the e-mail about our green practices than any other e-mail I had sent. I have customers who come in and report on the condition of the cups they've left outside to compost. I have customers who sit outside to drink their iced beverages and they come back in the shop and walk all the way to the back of the store to purposefully place their plastic in the recycling can with the green lid - ever since I sent that e-mail. They know we use green detergent and biodegradable trash bags, and that the coffee grounds are available for them to take (no one has yet!). We also offer a .15 discount on bringing your own cup. We also sell travel mugs made of 100% corn plastic. I have customers who are very loyal to the shop because of those efforts. Definitely worth it.

The per cup prices I received from Sysco for the Eco-Products were LESS than the per cup prices for the cups I was purchasing from my coffee supplier. If you would like details on pricing, send me an e-mail and I'll give you specifics. Of course, like everything else with Sysco, the price is likely to fluctuate. I can send you a copy of the e-mail I sent to customers as well.

Peace,
Melinda
Melinda@LACafeCoffee.com

Permalink Reply by Shawn Steiman on September 11, 2008 at 10:33am

The beauty of eco-friendly cups/utensils/bags is that they'll degrade sooner rather than later - anywhere. Whether I throw my tree-hugger items in the trash or a compost doesn't matter to me. I prefer knowing that those bits won't be hanging around for centuries.

As for their cost- it is something I'm willing to pay for and make my customers "buy into." Ethical business practices include caring for the planet. Costs associated with them are just normal costs of business, in my opinion.

Melinda, thanks for the heads up on Eco-products. I've not heard of them yet. I'm gonna have to try them out, now!

Permalink Reply by Dan Dean on September 11, 2008 at 12:47pm

Shawn and Melinda,

Thanks for the information. Melinda - I would love to have a copy of your broadcast e-mail to customers - if you are willing to share - espressodano@comcast.net

thanks again - Dan

Permalink Reply by Jack Shipley on February 9, 2009 at 11:39am

What has been everyone's experience with cup failure with PLA cups? We've not seen the WorldCentric brand but have the eco products, which we've dropped due to frequent customer complaints about leaks and cup failure. Double cupping is a preventative but not a solution since the resource use is excess. Every test I've read on bagasse warns of leaks with hot drinks. We have commercial recycling at the shop but not composting, so the PLA aren't disposed of properly anyway. Our community college has a good group addressing recycling and composting, so perhaps we'll have a compost solution soon.

Permalink Reply by Melinda Pensinger on February 10, 2009 at 3:53am

Hi Jack,

I had no customer complaints about the Eco-Products cups leaking. And I never noted a problem myself. I had only complaints about the lids - that there were drips from the lids, not because they leaked, but because of their design. The lids weren't compostable. I would highly recommend the Eco-Products cups. I had better luck with their clear plastic cups than non-compostable brands. The lids fit those more snugly and there were no leaks on those, whereas I had to be careful not to fill the previous non-compostable more expensive brand too full or they would leak around the top.

Melinda


Jack Shipley said:

What has been everyone's experience with cup failure with PLA cups? We've not seen the WorldCentric brand but have the eco products, which we've dropped due to frequent customer complaints about leaks and cup failure. Double cupping is a preventative but not a solution since the resource use is excess. Every test I've read on bagasse warns of leaks with hot drinks. We have commercial recycling at the shop but not composting, so the PLA aren't disposed of properly anyway. Our community college has a good group addressing recycling and composting, so perhaps we'll have a compost solution soon.