Autumn will see the free drinks takeaway coffee cups being taken-away from stores

Waitrose have announced that in an attempt to reduce polastic waste they will be removing all takeaway cups form their 'MyWaitrose' coffee/tea stall.

They say, "We have committed to removing all takeaway disposable coffee cups from our shops by autumn 2018. As myWaitrose members you will continue to have the option to enjoy a free tea or coffee from your shop’s self-serve machine as a thank you for shopping with us. But in the coming weeks we will be asking you to bring in your own reusable cup, rather than being offered a disposable coffee cup when you go through the checkout."

Waitrose believe that this will save 52 million cups every year. A spokesman for Waitrose Putney said that shoppers are welcome to use their own cups immediately if they wish to start before the autumn.

This will be trialled the following nine stalls around the UK from 30 April in Banbury, Billericay, Ipswich, Newmarket, Norwich, Sudbury, Wymondham, Upminster and Little Waitrose Fitzroy Street.

A huge campaign against using plastic packaging has been underway inspired by the BBC's Blue Planet programme which showed the damage that plastic was doing to the environment. Since then many shops and supermarkets have pledged to look at ways of selling food and fruits in biodegradable ways.

In March, local MP Justine Greening launched the 'Putney Plastic Pledge' saying:  "I’m asking people, shops and businesses and schools to make the Putney Plastic Pledge - it just means you’ve committed to trying to reduce your own home or organisation’s plastic usage and are taking some steps towards doing that. Basically, it’s about getting us all moving in the same direction. Even doing a little bit better in all of our homes, workplaces and shops could add up to a big difference. If you’re a resident, design your own logo and put a sign in the window to say you’re on board! Or if you’re an employer, do the same, but let me know if you’re making the Putney Plastic Pledge and I’ll add you to my list of local employers who are signed up".


April 20, 2018