Cauli Cups save 30,000 disposable cups
The University’s Catering Team have joined forces with Cauli to bring reusable cups to cafes across campus. The initiative has replaced single-use coffee cups, saving nearly 30,000 disposable cups every year that would have ended up as waste.
Less than 1% of single-use coffee cups are recycled globally. With a decomposition time of 20 years, disposable coffee cups have become a major contributor to the pollution of land and water (‘The future of single-use paper coffee cups’). The Cauli cup scheme aims to tackle the University’s contribution to this pollution and encourage a move towards using reusables.
Jenny Kelly, Hospitality Outlet Manager, celebrates the move: ‘the rollout of the Cauli Cup scheme represents a significant move away from disposable takeaway cups across campus. By providing a practical reuse system, we are supporting students, staff and visitors to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on convenience.’
All outlets, excluding Pitchside and Lakeside, now have Cauli Cups. To use a Cauli cup simply scan the QR code on the reusable cup, enjoy your hot or cold drink and return the cup to any café on campus within five days. Borrowing a Cauli cup is completely free, but it must be returned within 5 days or a £5 charge will apply.
The initiative marks yet another step forward in the Catering Team’s Sustainable and Ethical Food Plan. Previous sustainable successes for the team have included the introduction of Pulpex water bottles, replacing single-use water bottles in catering outlets. The team also achieved the highest possible rating in the Food Made Good accreditation – further highlighting the team’s dedication to healthy, accessible and sustainable food.
Find out more about sustainable catering at Surrey.
The University is embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals into everything we do. Our partnership with Cauli Cups aims to reduce the University's single-use pollution, and encourage responsible consumption (Sustainable Development Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production).
Related sustainable development goals
