Happy Earth Day!!!

In observation of this very special day, I am sharing with you three no-cost, easy-t0-do ways to save Mother Earth while you’re having your favorite coffee or tea in a coffee shop. Anyone in the world can do this without breaking a sweat. In addition, it’s so easy to teach this to your kids.

1. Say no to plastic straws

The Pasig River was once a busy water way, providing a fast and scenic mode of transportation to our ancestors. It also served as a muse for many artists, including Jose Rizal, who wrote about his river journeys. Unfortunately,  the river that Rizal once knew is long gone. In its place is a long and winding dump site for people who live in the riverbanks. Plastic drinking straws represent five percent of the trash dumped in the Pasig River. So next time that you’re ordering soft drinks, say no to the straw. Drink from the cup. Encourage your friends to do the same.

How about when you’re drinking shakes with pearl and crystals from Zagu? Well, you can skip the pearl or use a spoon. But if you’re on the go, just make sure that you dispose of your cup and straw properly.

2. Use only the table napkins that you need.

I love recycled napkins, especially the ones at Starbucks.  I used to hoard them and bring them home so I can use them when I’m drinking coffee while working. However, I realized that even though these napkins were made from recycled paper, the process by which it is made still leaves a carbon footprint that’s bad for our atmosphere. So now, I only take what I need. If all of coffee shop customers all over the world do the same thing, we can really make a difference.

3. Use your own travel mug.

Starbucks offers discounts to patrons who use their own travel mug when ordering drinks.  It’s a good way to encourage people to think about using less plastic and help save the world one coffee (or tea) order at a time. I haven’t tried doing this myself but I did ask a fastfood server once to put my softdrinks in my travel mug than in a plastic cup.  I felt really proud of myself then. Now, if only other coffee and tea shops would mimic Starbucks, then we could really save the world from a lot of plastic!

Help Save the world!

Do you have any other ideas for saving Mother Nature while in a coffee shop? Please share in the comment section below. I would be glad to update this post or do another to include your suggestions.

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