Levy on single use disposable cup
Dear colleagues,
Single use disposables is one of the biggest contributors to the pollution of the natural environment, with the UK using almost 2.5 billion single use cups every year.
The University is keen to make a positive change in this regard which is why, since 16 September 2019, we have introduced a levy on single use disposable cups. This means that a 15p levy, or additional charge, will be added to the cost of every drink purchased that needs a disposable, single use cup.
This scheme will be implemented across all of the outlets within Luton and Bedford* campus buildings, including Beds SU and the main catering outlets.
We would like to encourage all staff and students to bring a reusable cup, mug, or glass when buying a drink, otherwise an extra 15p will be charged on top of the drink price.
You can buy your own special offer University of Bedfordshire ‘reusable travel mug’ for the subsidised cost of only £1 from all University coffee outlets on campus. Beds SU also have their own Starbucks branded cup available at a different price from their café outlets.
Universities that have introduced a similar initiative have seen amazing results. Winchester has managed to save 86,000 single use coffee cups in the past two years, and increased their use of reusable cups up to 33% of all sales.
Please join us in helping to reduce the amount of single use consumables used on campus.
Further information about the University of Bedfordshire’s sustainability strategy can be found at: beds.ac.uk/sustainability.
If you have any additional questions please contact Adam Higgin, Head of Environmental Strategy and Sustainability, adam.higgin@beds.ac.uk
Kind regards,
Internal Communications
*The levy will not apply to hot drinks bought at Putteridge Bury, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury campuses