War on Waste - Coffee Cups [RESOLVED]

meong on 03/06/2017 - 08:21
Last edited 07/06/2017 - 23:55 by 1 other user

EDIT: Resolved! See below!

Hello guys,

I just recently caught up on War on Waste series through ABC iView. It was quite amazed at the numbers they mentioned there especially in regards to plastic bags, clothings and coffee cups!

Yeah, so I found out that coffee cups aren't really recyclable and was thinking of taking my KeepCup with me more often. However, I then remembered why I stopped using my Keep Cup, apparently it's only spill proof, and not exactly leak proof.

Have you guys got any recommendation on what travel cups that can be thrown into my bag with full assurance that it's not going to leak everywhere inside my bag?

I've seen a couple of Contigo branded ones, but what I've found so far is that because they try to fit the cups into the standard cup holders in cars, they tend to be slightly taller because the insulated wall makes it too thick and it means that it can contain less coffee if it was made too short.

The reason that I don't like these tall cups are because they can't immediately fit under my coffee machine (Breville 820). And a KeepCup is too much hassle to hold onto while I'm on a public transport.

So, for people who make their coffee at home and travel to work, what do you guys usually do? Do you just use a Keep Cup and put them in the car/hold them? Or do you have one with 100% leak proof but make them in another cup then pour into it?

Thanks

EDIT: Thanks to timdee and dbun1 i have now chosen to buy the Frank Green cups! As you can see in the link below they fit really well under my Breville 820 group head! It doesn't leak even if you turn ot upside down and shake it… You do however need to make sure its closed tight though…

They're not as insulated as a Contigo but definitely better than KeepCup! We paid $31 each. The good thing is you can take apart the pop lid so you can clean them easily and even swap colours…

Photos

Food & Grocery

Comments

  • Nugs on 03/06/2017 - 08:29
    +2

    put cup in a zip lock bag? or two if paranoid

    • meong on 03/06/2017 - 08:31
      +9

      actually that's quite a good idea… but that defeats the purpose of waste if I end up having leak in my zip bag and replacing the zip bag every day.

      • Nugs on 03/06/2017 - 08:32
        +5

        rinse and reuse.

        or use another reusable rigid plastic container

        • meong on 03/06/2017 - 08:40

          that can work… albeit less practical…

          rigid plastic container means taking more space in my bag.

          but the idea is not to have any leak at all instead of having a contained leak…

  • teacherer on 03/06/2017 - 08:58
    +2

    Mmmm
    I have a contigo auto seal one, was like $30
    It keeps sruff hit for ages but gets smelly really easily
    And yeah heaps of leaks with my keep cup
    Interested in what people reckon

    • teacherer on 03/06/2017 - 10:10
      +1

      *stuff *hot

    • knk on 04/06/2017 - 17:32
      +8

      For the smell, put some vinegar in it fill the rest with water and let it soak. Works wonders with protein shakers which smell like death.

      • Ayedeevee on 06/06/2017 - 09:37
        +2

        Nothing like opening the lid on that protein shaker you forgot to rinse out the other day.

        • knk on 07/06/2017 - 09:11

          the other day….try in your car for 3 months.

      • syousef on 07/06/2017 - 12:32

        Vinegar is death for rubber seals. It's a weak acid, and watered down it's weaker, but it's still an acid!

      • phocus on 09/06/2017 - 10:29

        baking soda works as well

  • barbarella on 03/06/2017 - 09:07
    +1

    I lurrve my Avex/Contigo coffee travel mug…
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2x-Avex-Contigo-Coffee-Travel-Mug… This is a random example and a better deal can probably be found.
    …although I don't travel with it every day…just occaisionally. When I do, I make sure that it is sitting upright in my backpack even though I haven't had a spill from it…just to be sure, to be sure…
    It doesn't fit under my coffee machine. It keeps my coffee hot for long periods. It does take a bit if cleaning of the fiddly bits inside but still…I lurrve it :)

    • meong on 03/06/2017 - 09:59

      Yeah, I was leaning towards this too! But that means I have to make it in another cup then pour it over…

      How is the insulation though? Does it keep it warm long enough? Keep Cup doesn't seem to be well insulated…

  • fantombloo on 03/06/2017 - 09:47
    +6

    If you want to drink on the fly then obviously you will hold your cup en route. If you want to just transport your coffee then get a small thermos and refill your cup at the destination. If your thermos can't fit under the coffee machine then make it in a cup and transfer to thermos.

    • meong on 03/06/2017 - 10:01

      That's what I've been doing with my Keep Cup… but sometimes public transport in peak hour means your one hand can be busy holding onto something… Also, when in a shoulder-to-shoulder condition, you can't really keep your hand up long enough to avoid the cup bumping into another person.

      • fantombloo on 03/06/2017 - 10:45
        +6

        Ok, but this is an operational issue and separate from the issue of reducing waste. They shouldn't be conflated. You'll have the same problem with disposable cups, so this shouldn't slow you down from moving away from them.

        You can also bring your own cup and get it filled at the coffee shop. I usually bring my own coffee with me in a tall generic cup (aldi) but if I need more (like maybe at lunch) I'll go to the local and they refill my own cup. It also sends me a signal worth considering because the extra coffee comes at a premium. I.e. do I really need that second cup?

        • meong on 03/06/2017 - 11:21
          +2

          Well… If the cup is 100% leak proof, i can throw it inside my bag and that way my hand will be free and also i'll be less worried about it bumping into someone else.

          Refillable cup is an easy solution if you're just buying coffee near work. I can even bring any regular coffee mugs to do this.

          This post was more of about making coffee at home because I have a good coffee machine at home and taking it with me on public transport.

  • lhakiki21 on 03/06/2017 - 10:00

    I usually make my coffee in a milk steaming jug, then pour it straight into my contigo.
    Great, no leaks, stays hot.

  • Baebs on 03/06/2017 - 10:38
    +2

    Buy a thermos?

    • meong on 03/06/2017 - 11:23

      I did look into this… But Thermos has the same issue as Contigo cups where they are too tall to fit under the coffee machines.

      I know, you probably think that I'm too lazy to make the coffee into a regular mug then pour it into a Contigo/Thermos B-)

      But that's the reason I'm asking. If not I would've bought those Contigos linked above.

      • John Kimble on 03/06/2017 - 18:50
        +2

        http://www.everten.com.au/contigo-scout-food-jar-blue.html?g…

        Supposed to be for food, but will do the job? Maybe?

        • meong on 04/06/2017 - 12:17

          Interesting… gotta check this out…

          I remember looking into the food jars…

          It should have the same technology as the cups, no? Maybe just minus the auto-seal/sippy lid?

        • John Kimble on 04/06/2017 - 14:35
          +1

          @4iedemon: Yeah, we have the below Thermos brand foogo one for the baby, it says 5/7 hours hot/cold I think. Pretty sure you would drink your coffee within 5 hours.

          Dunno how easy to drink directly from it though… Like any cup/mug I would assume.

          An option if you can't find a proper coffee one.

          https://www.motherslove.com.au/thermos-foogo-290ml-insulated…

      • miicah on 05/06/2017 - 12:45
        +1

        Yeah just make your espresso in a regular cup and transfer it to the thermos. It's going to get all sloshed around anyway.

    • goodcopbadcop on 04/06/2017 - 21:48

      You can't drink from a thermos like you can a coffee cup though.

      • Baebs on 04/06/2017 - 22:02

        True; the lid counts as a cup though coffee (milk) is messier than tea (water).

  • t25 on 03/06/2017 - 13:23
    +1

    I wonder if this is any better compared to the disposable coffee cups. (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Z1VV71p8TM/UUENUiEw7DI/AAAAAAAABj…)

    • meong on 03/06/2017 - 13:36
      +1

      Soft plastics are harder to recyle… B-)

      • JimmyF on 04/06/2017 - 19:06

        both end up in landfill, bag takes up less room ;)

        • Shiny Mew on 06/06/2017 - 08:24

          If they're cleaned and dried, non-rigid plastics are recyclable through the Redcycle program.

  • tebbybabes on 03/06/2017 - 17:48
    +3

    I applaud your determination to use more eco-friendly cups… and I understand the desire for a leak-proof variety.

    May I just mention that the paper cups you get from the coffee shops aren't leak-proof either?

    • meong on 04/06/2017 - 12:15

      Paper cups aren't leak proof too. But why would I need paper cups though?

      I'm planning to make my own coffee at home then throw it in my bag instead of having to hold it in my hand while walking to the train station…

      With KeepCup, I will have to hold it in my hand and upright all the time…

      • t25 on 04/06/2017 - 13:00
        +4

        Not having a dig at you, but have our lives evolved to the point where we cannot afford to sit down for 10-15 minutes for a coffee before heading out to the train station.

        I dislike the taste of stainless steel in any hot beverage so I avoid drinking hot beverages on the go. And I am a clumsy person so glass cups are not the most practical thing to have on the go.

        • meong on 04/06/2017 - 13:53
          +1

          I understand your point…

          Its not about not having enough time.

          I like to drink long black and that usually involve a high temperature brew in which I want to drink slowly…

          If I drink before leaving the house, it feels so much of a rush and I want to actually enjoy it while on the train.

          Plus, during winter these can help warm you after that windy walk to the train station… B-)

        • DrDollar on 04/06/2017 - 22:23
          +1

          @t25: Is yes a wrong answer to your question?

          O.O

          How do you have so much free time (10-15 minutes!!!)?

          Do you already own a home or have you given up trying? Must be one or the other!

        • t25 on 05/06/2017 - 10:08

          @DrDollar: I don't believe there is a right or wrong answer. At the end of the day your lifestyle is your lifestyle and who am I to start dictating how you go about your day.

          I usually drink my hot tea (I'm not a coffee drinker) at the desk at work; at home or in a cafe, but never on the go.

          I have to admit, I have so much time because I don't have a commute to work on a fixed time so to speak. I have embraced working from home, working on the go and flexible working arrangements.

    • whooah1979 on 04/06/2017 - 12:21
      -5

      ohh. forgot to say that nespresso caps taste better in a paper cup than a metal can.

  • whooah1979 on 03/06/2017 - 17:55
    -5

    Btw like the ad from sunkea for paper cups and takeaway boxes on this page.

    • gimli on 06/06/2017 - 07:41

      Lol

  • beatNeng on 03/06/2017 - 18:07
    +5

    Regarding the requirement for 100% leak proof coffee cup. If you were to ask any member in the ADF what brew mug they use it would be a Lifeventure thermal mug:

    https://www.lifeventure.com/products/cookware/thermal-mug

    The thermal properties of the mug are quite shocking. I've made a coffee at night, slept and woke up the next morning to a still luke-warm beverage (you can't complain in certain circumstances).

    You shouldn't pay more than about $25 (check ebay, google for australian stockists). Ensure you get the matte khaki green of course.

    I tend to still use my keepcup daily and save the lifeventure for other more active times, in a backpack, etc. You may want to check the height of it to confirm your height requirements. I can get it under my coffee machine but it is a tight fit.

    • meong on 05/06/2017 - 09:49

      I'll check it out, thanks!

  • altomic on 03/06/2017 - 20:27
    +10

    An old jar in a stubby holder.

    • Cheap Steve on 04/06/2017 - 19:37
      +3

      Love it! Is this because you are a cheapskate? Or at the leading edge of hipster cool?

      • Kangal on 04/06/2017 - 20:10
        +6

        Great, until the pressure builds up in the jar and can't easily open the lid.
        Struggles to open lid, and burns palm.
        Gets frustrated and crams the thing open quickly. Accidentally pours half the jar of hot coffee into the eyes of a girl going to her Catholic School.
        A bystander gets angry and hits you on the jaw.
        You fall back while the jar falls and breaks on the floor. Meanwhile a successful businessman trying to get away is tripped by you.
        He lands on the jar, and the glass pierces his chest/heart.
        Now you're on the run… but the coffee was passable. Overall 3 out of 5 stars.

      • altomic on 04/06/2017 - 21:04
        +2

        I do have a man bun(too cheap to get a haircut for 6 years) so I'll say tres hipster cool…..but basically cheap.

  • Flip on 04/06/2017 - 08:48

    Contigo autoseal has been magic so far. Holds the temp (actually too well if you drink it straight up), fits my car drink holder,easy one handed drinking, stainless body for longevity (still using my stainless water bottle 4 years later($10)). Lid is a pain to clean though. Got mine $25 special a year ago.
    I do prefer to make my coffee at home too for much much much cheaper.

    • meong on 04/06/2017 - 12:30

      It seems that a lot of people recommend Contigos… But I've been searching around, they don't have anything in the size of a KeepCup…

      All of them are around the 400ml range… B-(

  • magic8ballgag on 04/06/2017 - 12:57
    +1

    I bought a couple of these for my partner and I after getting over our KeepCups spilling every second day.

    They are great, are relatively leak-proof once sealed, and can be picked up for roughly ~$5 when on sale.

    I would definitely recommend giving them a go if you don't mind the size being enough for a latte-sized coffee.

    • meong on 04/06/2017 - 13:56

      Great find!!!

      This is the smallest travel coffee cup solution in this post other than the food jar!

      Good to know that it's also microwave safe and that means it can even be warmed again if you need to…

      How is the heat insulation on this though? KeepCups aren't that great… Is it better than the KeepCups?

      • magic8ballgag on 04/06/2017 - 15:52

        Well it's plastic, so on par with that of other reusable coffee cups, but because they're not that big, I find them still warm as I finish drinking it.

      • Kangal on 04/06/2017 - 20:14

        Its not leak-proof.
        All things being identical; smaller the volume = sooner the coffee gets cold.

        • meong on 05/06/2017 - 09:50

          thanks for letting me know!

          i was just gonna go to Coles and buy it!

      • PVA on 04/06/2017 - 22:19

        It's double insulated so should be better than the single wall keep cup.

      • caramelsauce on 05/06/2017 - 09:24
        +2

        I use these sistema cups and find it still suprisingly warm after a 45 min car ride at 6 in the morning. I leave them in the cup holders.. they obviously leak a bit if i throw them sideways in my bag

  • zzap on 04/06/2017 - 13:35
    +5

    It's important to note that there has been quite a bit of backlash[1] on the War on Waste's claims that 100% of coffee cups end up in landfills. The show allegedly even interviewed people in industry that said that stat is totally wrong, but they did not mention this in the show (I assume because it does not align with their agenda).

    There are a number of private recyclers and councils who do recycle coffee cups, and the bioplastic lining on BioCups is actually easier to recycle than traditional PE-coated cups.

    I'm not a recycling expert, but I think it's important to be aware of both sides of the story when considering buying a re-usable cup. Keep in mind that a glass cup takes 15 uses to break even with paper on the energy input analysis budget.[2]

    [1] https://www.beanscenemag.com.au/news/article/war-on-waste-go…
    [2] http://www.goodfood.com.au/drinks/is-there-any-point-to-keep…

    • chumlee on 04/06/2017 - 17:30
      +1

      Maybe they left out as not statistically significant enough impact on the 1 billion cups per annum or maybe just makes for better tv?

    • JimmyF on 04/06/2017 - 19:35
      +4

      Not disagreeing, but the show's point has gotten people talking and making them aware of the issue.

      I guess you need to look at the 'market share' of biocups, they claim 15% of all cups sold in Australia use PLA coating, which is really still a nothing, but hold that thought.

      Even biopak (the maker of the so called good cups using PLA coating) says "Unfortunately most of these cups are not recycled and instead end up in landfill where the materials and resources used to produce them are lost" and go on to say the only recycling mill in Australia capable of recycling plastic-coated paper closed down in 2005.

      They claim that today there are no local recyclers capable of processing coffee cups and instead they need to be shipped offshore for recycling. But are they really? As they continue to say

      "Another reason why cups end up in landfill is due to international regulations; only clean paper can be shipped, which rules out any post-consumer food or beverage packaging."

      Say what? So are the shipped overseas or not? Well no, as only clean ones can be shipped and with no recycling mill in this country, I guess they end up in land fill.

      http://biopak.com.au/blog/biopak-news/paper-cup-recycling-ju…

      So is the bash lash really a back lash?

    • Lockieasy on 05/06/2017 - 12:23
      +2

      I wouldn't say the show has an agenda, but it's definitely time-constrained so it can't mention every different council policy. As such it makes general statements that aren't correct in all cases.

      It definitely could have mentioned that you should check your council's recycling guidelines, because unlike what's stated in the show some councils do accept coffee cups, while some don't accept pizza boxes (due to grease contaminant) for example.

      People watching the show might be led to do the complete opposite to what their council says, which just exacerbates the problem!

      • JimmyF on 05/06/2017 - 15:23
        +1

        Agree!

        The list of councils accepting cups is tiny, but what happens to the cups once the council accepts them is the question.

        See post above, biopak states no coffee cup recycling mills in Australia and intl law says they can't ship 'dirty/used' cups overseas for recycling. So what's left? Super small scale composting or landfill basically.

        Basically brings us full circle to the point of the show again, which is coffee cups end up in land fill, so stop 'recycling' them.

    • Sweetnsour on 05/06/2017 - 21:27
      -2

      How much energy was wasted in the making of these comments. Was the energy wasted worth the energy saved by using reusable cups?

  • echineon on 04/06/2017 - 17:20
    +1

    depends on what mode of transport you have, if I'm driving the Aldi cup works quite well. They made of glass expressi brand go on sale every now and then. If i'm taking the train I got this travel bottle from daiso for $5 something, 300 ml. Sure it was tall but I use a glass jug for measuring 250ml and use it under my breville. No point wasting money on paper cup if you make your own coffee at home.

  • Hirolol on 04/06/2017 - 17:31
    +2

    I don't understand why you can't just make it in a cup then transfer it into a thermos?

    • Cheapo333 on 04/06/2017 - 17:54

      They're stupid. That's why!

      • meong on 05/06/2017 - 09:51

        i think i did mention in some of my comments above…

        1. I'm too lazy to pour them into a Contigo/Thermos B-)
        2. A smaller cup is more convenient to hold or throw in the bag
        • Cheapo333 on 05/06/2017 - 13:18

          I stand corrected.
          Stupid OR lazy.
          Since stupid and lazy are not mutually exclusive, it may also be:
          Stupid AND lazy.

        • meong on 05/06/2017 - 21:08
          +1

          @Cheapo333:

          Stupid helps the birth of innovations and designs…

          I suppose thats the reason that smaller reusable cups are available.

          You cant call a person stupid for having to solve a problem that you don't have.

          So yes, you can call these KeepCups or other reusable coffee cups being the a solution for stupid and/or lazy people. And so is the variety of designs or products that are out there.

          But look at how much money these companies are making… I'm obviously not the only stupid people here?

          Thermos and Contigo are too big for me, and thats the problem I'm trying to solve here by posting this topic.

        • Cheapo333 on 05/06/2017 - 22:25

          @4iedemon:
          Use your smaller travel mug! And don't shove the cup in your bag until you're finished drinking it.

        • meong on 05/06/2017 - 22:31

          @Cheapo333:

          The smaller cup i have is a KeepCup and that means i have to hold them upright.

          And also for the occassional time where the train is packed, i will have to hold them on the train all the time.

          With the KeepCup, even if I finish it, there is a good chance that some drops of coffee from the lid will leak onto my bag… I used to take a tissue with me just to absorb some of the leftover coffee.

        • Cheapo333 on 05/06/2017 - 22:43
          +1

          @4iedemon:
          So you want to take coffee with you on a train but don't want to hold it all the time?
          Have you looked at camel backpacks?
          It won't leak and it will keep your back warm in winter.

        • meong on 05/06/2017 - 22:51

          @Cheapo333:

          I dont think Camelbaks can be used for warm drink? And how are you going to clean the straws anyway?

          If im going to go with the hassle of carrying Camelbaks, i might as well get a Thermos dor a considerably cheaper price!

        • Cheapo333 on 05/06/2017 - 23:00
          +1

          @4iedemon:
          If you didn't realise, the camel back was meant to highlight the absurdity of your problem of holding your coffee up all the time while travelling.
          Such a fun, interesting and pointless forum post. At least you kept me entertained.
          I should get back to studying for my exams. Hope you solve your problem.
          Good luck.

        • meong on 05/06/2017 - 23:01
          +1

          @Cheapo333:

          Thank you for coming…

  • Thenarrator on 04/06/2017 - 18:01
    +7

    i dont drink coffee. i jus drink water. i dont feel different. should i start drinking like everyone else?

    • realfancyman on 04/06/2017 - 18:07
      +4

      Yes. It's great

    • John Kimble on 04/06/2017 - 18:11
      +1

      I never drank coffee until we had a baby. Now I have 2 to 4 shots a day free from work. I try to only have between 10am and 3pm.

      Oddly, energy drinks like Red Bull and V don't seem to have any effect on me, despite having the same amount of caffeine.

      Doesn't help the NBN!

      http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/nbn-co-splashes-…

    • PVA on 04/06/2017 - 22:20

      Yes.

    • meong on 05/06/2017 - 09:52

      I don't think coffee has that much effect on me anymore… But I just like the taste of them…

      I only drink 1-2 cups per day.

      • lainey13 on 05/06/2017 - 15:24

        Try going a few days without coffee, your body will tell you if you're addicted or not if you have withdrawal symptoms :)

        • meong on 05/06/2017 - 20:50

          Oh… dont get me wrong…

          I can live without coffee… but i like the taste. I no longer drink it for the kick anymore… B-)

  • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 18:07
    -3

    1) Why drink coffee? - Just water straight from the tap or into a glass/steel container
    2) Why use cups? - If you really need to drink a beverage, use a bowl or a glass/steel container

    I only drink water from a tap or a couple of glass bottles around the house. Saves me so much time and money (buying/washing)

    • meong on 05/06/2017 - 09:54
      +1
      1. If you don't drink coffee, just replace the above situation with people who like to drink warm/hot water on the go… What would be your solution?
      2. Cups are smaller/more convenient to hold/takes less space
      • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2017 - 23:25
        +1

        I admit I was trolling a bit in my first comment.

        I really do believe coffee is not essential though.

        At the end of the day people do think coffee is worth the time and money cost, but I don't (not even warm/hot water).

    • John Kimble on 04/06/2017 - 18:13
      +3

      Yep, some cafe's offer a discount if you BYO cup. In the show all were 50 cents off, so theoretically you would start saving after a while.

      • erbasaki on 05/06/2017 - 13:34
        -1

        If the café offers a discount and isn't too far from work or home where I keep the cup then I'd do that. but I wouldn't carry around a reusable cup to my inconvenience just to save 20 cents or a bit of CO2.
        But tbh I don't drink much coffee at all. And when I do its generally a iced one.

    • smartazz104 on 04/06/2017 - 18:24
      +3

      The environment isn't really your concern then?

      • erbasaki on 05/06/2017 - 13:32
        -2

        pretty much hey

      • dbun1 on 05/06/2017 - 15:18
        +2

        Some people are just selfish, really.

        • erbasaki on 05/06/2017 - 21:40
          -2

          the world has been around a while and will be here for a while yet.

          lollll

          how is not caring for the environment selfish?
          If not caring for the environment was going to harm others it would also harm me… I just don't see a big issue here.

        • airal3rt on 06/06/2017 - 17:30
          +1

          @merba9:

          how is not caring for the environment selfish?

          Because you're saying "fk it I'll poison the planet all I like while I'm here, by the time it all goes to shit I'll be dead anyway so fk the future generations who have to deal with it".

          You're literally at the pinnacle of selfishness, not only are you disregarding the entire planet you're disregarding THE LITERAL FUTURE OF HUMANITY. Wake the fk up

        • erbasaki on 07/06/2017 - 20:30

          What are you talking about. I'm perfectly awake.

          On another note… I don't personally think that my throwing away a coffee cup will cause that much of an issue to future generations. I don't think climate change is anything to worry about.

          Climate change is a theory. key word: theory. As such it is and should be open to scrutiny and analysis… when testing a scientific theory the aim should be to prove it wrong(year 8(?) science). this is the way all scientific theories used to be tested… but for the life of me all I keep seeing is people pulling up data and only using the stuff that points to a possible cause they like. climate change.
          So don't tell me to wake the (profanity) up. you wake the (profanity) up and stop swallowing everything the media throws at you.
          Get the (profanity) over it and admit that questioning a theory is alright.
          Edit: i am perfectly ok with recycling for the sake of decreasing waste and saving money 100% for it.

  • Realdee on 04/06/2017 - 18:20
    +2

    Frank Green is a great option. You're looking at about $40~

    https://frankgreen.com.au/

    • dbun1 on 05/06/2017 - 06:11

      Another vote for Frank Green!

    • meong on 05/06/2017 - 09:56

      Is Frank Green 100% leak proof though?

      If you got one, can you fill it up, close the lid then turn it upside down to see if it leaks at all?

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