Do Something Grande for the Environment Bring Your Own Cup!

The Department of Ecology initiates the “Bring Your Own Cup” campaign to address the environmental crisis posed by single-use coffee cups, which sees around 50 billion discarded each year. The campaign urges residents to pledge to use reusable cups, with entrants eligible for a $25 gift card to local coffee shops. An interactive map on the campaign website helps participants locate welcoming coffee shops, many of which offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups. Coffee shops that allow personal cups can cut costs on disposable items, reduce waste, and enhance customer loyalty through incentives. The initiative aims to build an accountability network, encouraging participants to involve friends and family.

Ecology also invites coffee shops to join the program, promoting sustainability and visibility in their communities. Washington State's Retail Food Code supports this initiative by permitting refills in consumer-owned containers. This campaign not only benefits the environment but also fosters a culture of reuse among coffee drinkers.