Why one cup can change your footprints.

The average person uses an estimated 200–250 disposable cups each year, contributing to over 16 billion cups in landfill annually. Most of these cups are lined with polyethylene, making them difficult to recycle and slow to decompose. Switching to a reusable cup such as Stojo can dramatically cut this waste stream at an individual level—setting the stage for collective impact.

1. The Hidden Cost of Disposable Cups

• Resource Extraction

Every paper cup requires about 0.25 oz of petroleum in production, plus energy for pulping and transport.

• Waste Accumulation

Less than 1 in 400 disposable cups actually gets recycled due to their plastic lining.

• Carbon Footprint

Manufacturing a single-use cup emits roughly 0.25 kg of CO₂. Over 200 cups, that’s 50 kg of CO₂ per person per year—equivalent to driving 120 km in an average car.

2. How Reusables Flip the Script

• One-Time Investment

A Stojo cup requires approximately 70 g of materials and 1 kg CO₂ to produce. If used just 15 times, it breaks even against disposable cups in emissions and waste.

• Durability & Design

Made from food-grade silicone and polypropylene, Stojo cups fold down to 6 cm high. They’re dishwasher-safe, leak-proof, and built to last hundreds of uses.

3. Real-World Impact by the Numbers

Metric Disposable Cups (200/year) Stojo (15 uses)

CO₂ Emissions ~50 kg ~1 kg per cup

Total Material Waste ~20 kg paper + lining ~70 g silicone/plastic

Recycling Rate 0.25% 100% (fully reusable)

4. Tips to Maximize Your Reusable Habit

1. Routine Reset

Keep your Stojo cup in your bag or car so it’s always on hand.

2. Local Leverage

Compile a list of nearby cafés offering discounts for bringing your own cup.

3. Share the Story

Encourage friends and colleagues to join you—small groups amplify impact.

5. Beyond the Cup: Building a Culture of Reuse

Investing in one quality item like a Stojo cup sparks awareness around other daily choices. As you spot single-use items—straws, cutlery, bottles—you’ll naturally seek reusable alternatives. That ripple effect starts with one simple swap.

References

1. “Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable Paper Cup vs. Reusable Alternatives”, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2020.

2. Stojo Product Carbon Footprint Report, Stojo Inc., 2023.