In Lviv, more than 90 coffee shops already offer incentives for customers who buy drinks with them in their own reusable cups.
This is reported by the NGO Zero Waste Lviv. It is worth emphasizing that selling coffee to one's own potters is not just a fashionable trend, but also a necessity for sustainable development. In particular, Lviv promotes responsible consumption and the use of reusable items instead of single-use items.
"On March 16, 2023, the Ministry of the Environment discussed draft law No. 6077-d "On measures to prevent and reduce the negative impact of plastic products on the environment." This draft law proposes a requirement for all establishments to provide a mandatory discount on a drink in a visitor's cup in the amount of 10%. This draft law has been recommended by the specialized committee for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada. Therefore, this initiative will allow us to prepare for future regulatory requirements. This is also another step on the way to the declared goal of Lviv – a Zero Waste city," the organization said in a statement.
Information about all participants and the discounts they provide to buyers is posted on the interactive MAP. This map was developed in 2021, and today 12 brands, including "World of Coffee", KREDENS CAFE, "Alternative Coffee", Coffee Lab (a total of 93 establishments) have joined the network.
"This simple step will not only reduce the amount of garbage on the city's streets, but will also bring economic benefits to the city by reducing the costs of waste removal and disposal, will contribute to the cleanliness of street garbage cans, which are often overflowing with used disposable cups. The saved funds can be directed to other urgent needs of Lviv. And for institutions, it is an opportunity to promote their brand as environmentally friendly," commented Oleksandra Sladkova, deputy director of the Department of Economic Development of the Lviv.
It is noted that for additional information and encouragement of buyers, each institution can receive stickers on doors and windows with relevant information, which were developed and produced by Zero Waste Lviv.
Such an initiative provides the following advantages:
- reducing costs for the purchase of disposable dishes and packaging,
- reducing the space in the institution for storing stocks of disposable containers,
- increasing the attractiveness of the institution for eco-conscious visitors,
- attraction of new consumers.
In order to join the network, establishments must complete a QUESTIONNAIRE. Stickers can be obtained free of charge at the shopping center on the square. Rynok, 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Each establishment individually determines the size of the discount or other incentives for customers who bring their reusable mug or thermos to the coffee shop (the dishes must be clean) and order a drink in their container. Today, Lviv establishments practice discounts ranging from 5 to 20% of the price of a drink, or a compliment from the establishment, or a fixed price of 2-4 UAH.
"Yes, we have regular customers who come with their own mugs. Although there are not many of them, the discount on the drink is a nice bonus for them. We have 10%. Our baristas are ready to prepare any of the drinks from the menu in the customer's mug ", commented Tetyana Salyuk, communications officer of the KREDENS CAFE network.
As EcoPolitic reported earlier, in Lviv Zero Waste Lviv continues work in war conditions in order to reduce the amount of single-use plastic, minimize waste, popularize reusable items, sorting, composting, recycling, etc.
