The problem with False Takeaway

Posted by Huskee on 19th July 2024
Read time: 5 mins

Many coffee enthusiasts have experienced the dissonance of ordering a drink for in-cafe enjoyment, only to receive it in a disposable cup with a plastic lid. This seemingly harmless practice, known as a "false takeaway," contributes significantly to a wider environmental issue. While convenient for cafes during peak hours or for customers concerned about whether they will drink their coffee sit down or takeaway. Participating in false takeaway highlights a disconnect between our desire for a quick coffee and the environmental impact of single-use cups. Millions of these cups, used for just a brief period, end up in landfills, taking years to decompose. Isn't it time we bridge this gap and embrace a more sustainable coffee experience?

What is false takeaway, and Why it happens

False takeaway occurs when cafe customers have their coffee in a single-use plastic-lined cup with a plastic lid when they dine in or sit in the cafe. This can occur for multiple reasons, but the main problems lie with the gap between convenience, flexibility, and optionality when ordering a coffee.

Cafes may take part in this to prioritise speed and efficiency, opting for single-use cups regardless of whether the customer is dining in or taking away. This can be especially prevalent during peak hours. Further, single-use cups offer more flexibility for cafes in terms of handling spills or accidental breakage compared to dine-in coffee cups that may be glass or ceramic. Whilst customers may be involved in false takeaway if they are undecided about dining in or taking away. However, the onus to stop false takeaway is on both cafes and customers.

The real issues that lie with false takeaway

Environmental Issues

Increased Plastic Waste: The most significant concern surrounding false takeaways is the generation of excessive plastic waste. Each single-use cup and lid discarded in landfills contributes to environmental pollution. These items persist for centuries within landfills and degrade the environment, including soil, waterways, and beaches. This plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems and can enter the food chain, posing a threat to wildlife and even human health.

Cafe Issues

Misperception of "Dine-in": Single-use coffee cups with plastic lids are often associated with takeout coffee. Using them for dine-in service can create a disconnect between the customer's perception of "dine-in" and the actual experience. This mismatch can feel incongruous—customers might expect a more relaxed and environmentally conscious atmosphere with proper mugs for dine-in service.

The use of disposables can create a sense of rushing, even when staying in the cafe. This can also call for sustainability concerns from consumers as they may perceive this practice as directly contradicting a cafe's commitment to sustainability. This can damage a cafe's reputation and potentially drive patrons towards businesses that prioritize reusable options. Furthermore, the visual incongruity of a disposable cup in a dine-in setting creates cognitive dissonance.

Practical Tips and Solutions to Combat False Takeaway

False takeaway has a profound effect on various aspects of society. Here are actionable steps to reduce single-use coffee cup waste and the effects of false takeaway.

Promote Reusable Coffee Cups: Cafes can implement several strategies to incentivise a shift towards reusable coffee cups. Offering discounts or reward programs for customers who bring their own reusable cups is an effective method. Additionally, clear signage and communication regarding reusable options are crucial. This can include a designated fast-tracked line for reusable mugs when ordering. These actions encourage customer participation and normalize the use of reusables, fostering a more sustainable coffee culture within the cafe.

Invest in Reusable In-House Coffee Cups: Elevating the dine-in experience can be achieved by offering a curated selection of reusable mugs for customer use. This minimises waste generation but can also enhance the cafe’s ambience by adding a touch of style and reflecting the cafe’s unique personality. HuskeeCups repurposes waste coffee husk from the production of coffee into an elegant and durable reusable cup.

Offer a “No Lid” Option: For customers who prefer disposable cups, offering the option to skip the plastic lid can be a compromise. This small step significantly reduces plastic waste, as lids are often used for a shorter duration compared to the cup itself. Additionally, it allows cafes to cater to a wider range of customer preferences, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable coffee experience.

Raise Awareness: Highlighting the environmental impact of false takeaway can incentivise both cafes and customers to embrace more sustainable practices. Educational materials within cafes, such as posters, can spark conversations and gently nudge customers towards reusable options. Social media campaigns showcasing the positive environmental impact of reusables can further amplify awareness and inspire a shift towards sustainable coffee consumption.

Summary

The current "false takeaway" trend highlights a critical need for a shift in our coffee consumption habits. While convenience plays a role, the environmental impact of single-use cups ending up in landfills is undeniable. The good news is that solutions exist. Cafes can implement reusable cup programs, offer discounts for those bringing their own reusable coffee cups, and invest in dine-in options. Customers can choose reusable cups and advocate for cafes that prioritize sustainable practices. By making small changes, we can bridge the gap between convenience and sustainability and reduce false takeaway.