22.9.08

WEEK TWO [2]:

DAY 7 [WEEK 2]: 09.28.08
A few things to consider:
  • Is your cup made of plastic, paper, stainless steel, ceramic, etc.? : So, this is where the term 'embodied energy' enters a four-part equation: 1. A consumer may want to consider how much manufacturing energy goes into the product from start to finish. 2. Then the consumer may want to incorporate the energy used in transporting the product to points of sale. 3. Consider the product's ELE (estimated life expectancy), i.e. is this going straight into the landfill or can it be washed and reused? 4. Next, if it can be reused, how much energy will be required in cleaning/maintenance, and how does that balance against the product's previously considered embodied energy?
  • Also, consider the type of material the product is made of. Is it a renewable resource? Is it a toxic plastic? Are there health risks associated with the material? Does its molecular structure breakdown when a hot beverage is poured into it? If it's a reusable mug, consider it's durability and the replacements of parts if broken?
At this point, I can't answer which cup is better. I'm inclined to say a stainless mug is best, because of its longevity, durability and non-toxic material. It lasts longer than disposable plastic and paper. It's more durable that ceramic and glass. AND It does not contain the toxic plastics found in many plastic and PE-lined paper cups/mugs.

DAY 5 [WEEK 2]: 09.26.08
Starbucks will give you $.10 off your coffee purchase if you bring in your own mug! Small savings add up! :-) (Check it out -- if you're not already boycotting the corporate coffee GIANT!)

DAY 2 [WEEK 2]: 09.23.08
I thought this was a cool flickr gallery...it's about laté art.

Here's a cool idea I stumbled over online: turn a used coffee to-go cup into a tissue holder. Click here to see the site and related photos.

DAY 1 [WEEK 2]: 09.22.08
Well, in it's first week, coffeecupcrusade.blogspot.com recieved 63 pageviews and was posted to Digg.com. 

Throughout the next few weeks, we'll be taking an in-depth look into the life-cycle of the paper cup.

4 comments:

JP said...

Yes I stay away from Starbucks, but I know they do the 10 cent cup discount at Peets, and Gaylords here in Oakland. It would be great if you could get them to give double that for the duration of your project! Maybe even one store?

So I love your site and I have joined the crusade. I will mail you a picture soon.

JP

Rosanna said...

I will raise you a Philz coffee discount to your 10 cent discounts.

Philz is not only a tasty SF local treasure, but if you bring in your own mug (they say there is no size limitation!), they only charge you the small cup size of whatever drink you order! booyah!

http://www.philzcoffee.com/

coffee crusader said...

Hey! Thanks for the coffee comments...you girls rock! :-)
I'll look into the discounts more.
I've heard Blue Bottle coffee is one of SF's best, but I haven't tried it yet and I'm not sure if there's anyplace near campus to get it.

-blessed holy socks, the non-perishable-zealot said...

YeeeHaw! You go, girl! I'm extremely proud of ya, missy! What's with Arnold? Sad what power and moolah will do. He's back at square one, like a lil' baby who doesn't know #@!! going on: all his superSILLYous muscle cannot save him. Don't you fall into that same trap. I expect YOU in Heaven. Promise??? Try with ALLA thy might, girl. See ya soon. Love you. God bless --- Remember to call upon Jesus whenever you're in trouble of any kind. Kinda korny, kinda uninhabited. But, yet, who loves you? Does the violent world? Precisely. See ya soon.