How many times a day do you drink coffee.. or tea for that matter? On your way to work, or to take the kids to school… If you stop by your local coffee shop, you could get a paper cup that ends up being thrown in the trash… Or you could bring in your own reusable coffee cup!

Did you know that most of the paper cups you get aren’t made from recycled paper? Why not? Well, because the FDA regulations are very strict when it comes to using recycled papers for food and beverages. Starbucks is trying with a paper cup that uses 10% post-consumer materials. You have to remember though, when these cups are made, they are laminated with a plastic resin called polyethylene. This laminate prevents the cups from being able to be recycled. With American consumption estimated to be around 23 billion coffee cups in 2010, that’s a lot of paper cups to end up in landfills.

There are a few options when it comes to getting a good coffee mug that will last a long time. You can get plastic, just make sure it’s PVC free! They are lightweight, but can crack easily if dropped. Ceramic is another option, which is sturdy and durable. Some of them can be lined with stainless steel, which would help keep the beverages warm or cold, longer. Finally, Stainless Steel. One of the most durable, keeps beverages warm or cold longer, and comes in a variety of colors! Just don’t put it in the microwave to reheat your beverage!

Check with your favorite coffee shop too! You just might get a little discount for bringing in your own cup! Save a cup, save the planet, save some coin! Why not!?!?

* Pictured: Copco Plastic Mug $7.95 at Bed bath & beyond, Brugo Mug $19.95 at brugomug.com, and Contigo Autoseal Mug $19.99 at gocontigo.com or Target!

** Brugo mug was sent to me for the Christmas Gift Guide, I purchased the Copco Mug the other day at our local Bed Bath & Beyond & Contigo Mug at our local Target**