Mug-shot for change

The Green Pantry in Denmark has taken the bold step of abandoning the use of disposable takeaway cups.

According to owner Cressida Rubinich, The Green Pantry is the first cafe in the Great Southern to stop using takeaway cups.

Ms Rubinich said the reason for the change was simple: “Why wouldn’t you? Having discussed how a staggering 2.7 million cups go into landfill every day in Australia with no service to recycle, and recalling how less than 30 years ago we did perfectly well without the disposable cup, the decision was easy,” she said.

Ms Rubinich and the cafe’s head barista, Madeleine Noble, have been busy preparing their customers for the transition.

“Listed as a Green Caffeen cafe, we are now part of a system where customers download an app allowing them to return their reusable cup within 30 days to a participating cafe anywhere in the county,” Ms Rubinich said.

“We are also partaking in the cup exchange, where customers can simply take a mug and hopefully return it or donate a mug to the collection.” She encouraged other cafes to make the leap.

“Provide alternatives and take encouragement from the majority who are supportive and welcome the positive change,” Ms Rubinich said.

She said she hoped her cafe’s initiative acted a a catalyst for a collaborative effort from the Shire, local businesses and the community to make Denmark a model town for sustainability.