EXMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL LAUNCHES THE EXMOUTH REUSABLE CUP SCHEME

Exmouth, 18.09.23 – As our community increasingly recognizes the urgent need to address environmental concerns and combat climate change, Exmouth Town Council is thrilled to announce the launch of the Exmouth Reusable Cup Scheme, in partnership with Sideshore. 7 million single use cups get thrown away in the UK every day. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and providing a practical solution to eliminate single-use cups within our town.

Sustainability at the Core
In a world where environmental consciousness is on the rise, consumers are seeking eco-friendly alternatives that transcend traditional recycling efforts. The Exmouth Cup is made from a type of plastic called polypropylene. It is carbon-zero after just three uses and does not leach toxic BPAs. The cup can be used more than 1000 times, and, at the end of its lifecycle, will be collected and repurposed.

How the Scheme Works
Exmouth Town Council provides cafés with an agreed number of Exmouth Cups free of charge. These cafes then promote the Exmouth Cup, allowing customers to borrow a cup and enjoy hot and cold take-away drinks in an environmentally responsible manner. The customer can return the Exmouth Cup to any participating café. (Regular disposable lids can be used with the Exmouth Cup and it is dishwasher safe.)

Debunking The Compostable Cups Myth
We acknowledge that some may question why not opt for compostable or biodegradable cups. However, it’s important to understand that such cups contain single-layered plastic to maintain rigidity, require industrial composting facilities (not available locally), and end up in general waste for landfill or incineration. Reusable cups are the most sustainable solution.

Environmental Benefits of the Exmouth Cup
By choosing the Exmouth Cup, individuals and businesses contribute to a lower environmental impact, with a carbon-zero footprint achieved after just three uses.

Benefits for Local Business
Businesses embracing the Exmouth Cup can enjoy numerous advantages, including cost savings, a competitive edge, recognition for sustainability efforts, and a reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, they actively participate in reducing the number of single-use cups destined for incineration.
Join us in making Exmouth greener and more sustainable with the Exmouth Reusable Cup Scheme. Together, we can take a significant step towards a more eco-friendly future.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Zoey Cooper: Climate and Ecological Emergency Resilience Officer, Exmouth Town Council: 01395276167, zoey.cooper@exmouth.gov.uk

About Exmouth Town Council:
Exmouth Town Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. The Climate and Ecological Emergency Working Party (CEE WP) is committed to making Exmouth cleaner, greener and healthier. They want residents and visitors to thrive in a zero carbon, active town. And they will use their influence to ensure high quality, low-impact development while protecting and enhancing the internationally important and beautiful local environment.

About Sideshore:
Sideshore is a thriving and innovative Watersports Centre situated on the picturesque seafront of Exmouth. Committed to sustainability, Sideshore has incorporated various environmentally friendly features such as solar power, ground source heat pumps, and electric car charging units. Managed by a Community Interest Company (CIC), Sideshore actively promotes social and environmental solutions to combat the climate and biodiversity crises. The centre’s mission is to effect meaningful social change by educating visitors, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles, and safeguarding the local environment.