Single-Use Plastic Items to be Banned

The government announced on Monday that it planned to start introducing levies on single-use plastic items. This would include a ban on items such as plastic cutlery, plates and straws and cups. Keep your company ahead of the game by distributing the following items to your customers and employees!

Reusable cups

Reusable cups offer a fantastic alternative to disposable single-use cups. They can be used at festivals, trade shows, coffee shops and even in the office. Many companies around the world are jumping on board and distributing reusable cups incentivising their customers to return the used cups back to the booth for a euro. Likewise, a large number of cafés in Ireland are offering customers who bring in their own reusable cup a discount of 10 cents to 1€ on each beverage they buy.

Reusable straws

We’ve all seen the pictures of the poor sea turtles plagued with the sheer amount of plastic straws in the ocean. Fortunately, there’s a healthy alternative - reusable straws!

Reusable Water Bottles

Have your customers and employees stop using disposable water bottles and instead use a reusable one.

Why are reusable items good for Businesses?

With customers becoming more environmentally aware, it is important for businesses to jump on board and cater to their customers’ needs and values. Several countries, including Ireland, have introduced levies on many plastic items and there definitely will be more announced in the future. It’s better to get ahead of the game and to start incorporating eco-friendly alternatives into your business right now. 

Perhaps the strongest reason for businesses to start replacing single-use plastic items with reusable ones is to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Businesses play a large part introducing social change and it’s good to be recognised as a business at the forefront of it.

Examples 

Various festivals, events and even coffee shops have taken the leap by switching to reusable cups and products. Glastonbury banned plastic bottles this year and started distributing stainless steel reusable cups. The Irish City Council began a pilot scheme this April in Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and University College Dublin whereby customers who buy takeaway coffee would also have to purchase the cup for a euro, money which they could later get back upon returning the cup. Many cafés in Ireland are catching on as well, with Costa Coffee and Starbucks giving customers who bring their own reusable coffee cup a 35 cent discount. 

Make sure your business is up to date and contributing positively to the environment as well. If you’re looking for reusable cups (or other products) have a look here.