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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Rain on October 07, 2007, 10:09:05

Title: Paper Cups
Post by: Rain on October 07, 2007, 10:09:05
Hi,

  I just wondered if anyone knew whether the paper cups that are described as 'disposable', the ones that are waxed or whatever it is they put on them to contain hot drinks, etc, are compostable? I mean home compost too. Thanks a lot to anyone who can advise! :)
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: kenkew on October 07, 2007, 14:23:01
I thought they were all plastic these days, Rain. I doubt they would break down in a compost heap, maybe better off as seedling pots?
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: cambourne7 on October 07, 2007, 14:32:56
yes i think the wax cover adds a chemical issue and delays the breakdown of the plastic.

You might try googling but i think they would be better as seed pots.
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Rain on October 07, 2007, 19:53:05
That's a shame, it's a bother trying to take a china mug over to the allotment every time just to have a cuppa! I was hoping I could buy a stack of 'paper' cups and throw them in the compost heap at the end... wishful thinking!
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Weed-Digga on October 07, 2007, 20:09:36
Rain - I bought 50 polystyrene cups from the 99p Store, I use them for my hot drink, rinse them out, and then use them for seedlings.
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Rain on October 07, 2007, 20:13:33
Thanks Weed-Digga, that's a good idea, but earlier this year I bought a load of pots on ebay and have them coming out of my ears, so I'm still after a way I can be eco-friendly and compost... though I think the answer will probably be to just use a normal mug and carry it to and from the allotment.
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: SnooziSuzi on October 07, 2007, 21:37:12
I took a mug to the lottie today and used a camping stove to boil some water up for a coffee.

Now all I have to do is to get used to the taste of coffee mate and I'll be made!
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Weed-Digga on October 07, 2007, 22:01:19
Snoozisuzi - I buy 'Nescafe 3 in 1' (Coffee, Whitener & Sugar) or '2 in 1' (Coffee and Whitener) - 10 little sachet/tubes from 99p Store and take a flask of boiling water. Not great but better than nothing!

p.s. I do sometimes go to other shops - honest!!
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Deb P on October 08, 2007, 09:16:57
Of course one only drinks one's 'char' from a proper china cup........ ;D
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Rain on October 08, 2007, 10:22:50
Quote from: Deb P on October 08, 2007, 09:16:57
Of course one only drinks one's 'char' from a proper china cup........ ;D

If that's to me, I said 'china' because I couldn't think what else it was made from at the time...  :-[  ;D
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: cambourne7 on October 08, 2007, 10:31:20
Quote from: Deb P on October 08, 2007, 09:16:57
Of course one only drinks one's 'char' from a proper china cup........ ;D

Wrong, i take a flask of hot water and a proper china mug (only because it came with a lid) and not only is it made of china but i bought it in china :)
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Rain on October 08, 2007, 10:49:47
Wow, that's really authentic then!
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: steveuk on October 08, 2007, 13:09:57
i just get on me mobile and summons the wife to bring me hot drink in flask,

to-date i havent had one yet, can not seem to figure why,  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Uncle Joshua on October 08, 2007, 13:36:55
I'm so sad, I had a mug made with my forum sig on it.
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: kenkew on October 08, 2007, 13:43:08
Not as sad as my Twiggy mug... :D

Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: RosieMcPosie on October 10, 2007, 08:51:57
rain, i was in tesco last night and they have started to do a new enviromentally friendly range, you can buy a packet of bio-degradeable cups for £2. they also so bowls, plates, boxes etc.
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: markfield rover on October 10, 2007, 09:13:06
snoozisuzi,I don't like coffee mate so I'make'do with Baileys!
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: RosieMcPosie on October 10, 2007, 09:19:57
hehe, a man after my own heart there!
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Rain on October 10, 2007, 11:19:10
Quote from: RosieMcPosie on October 10, 2007, 08:51:57
rain, i was in tesco last night and they have started to do a new enviromentally friendly range, you can buy a packet of bio-degradeable cups for £2. they also so bowls, plates, boxes etc.

Thanks RosieMcPosie... do you reckon you can put hot drinks in bio-degradable? Worth a try though, I'll look out for them.  :)
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Melbourne12 on October 12, 2007, 08:51:34
Quote from: RosieMcPosie on October 10, 2007, 08:51:57
rain, i was in tesco last night and they have started to do a new enviromentally friendly range, you can buy a packet of bio-degradeable cups for £2. they also so bowls, plates, boxes etc.

I bought some of their paper plates, and they're fine for hot food, so I guess the cups would be fine for hot drinks.

But they are expensive!  I don't know if there are more cups to a packet, but for plates and bowls, you only get 10 for your 2 quid!

And I was talking to someone recently who had seen a demo of biodegradeable beakers for use in coffee shops like Starbucks.  Instead of wax or plastic, they use cornstarch. But even in bulk they cost 23p each. 
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: saddad on October 12, 2007, 11:01:16
As I live on site I have no problem with getting a brew... those mugs with lids are great at keeping the contents hot, and the bugs out!
;D
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: SnooziSuzi on October 12, 2007, 16:07:56
Didn't Alan Titchmarsh invent those?  I'm sure I read somewhere that he did
Title: Re: Paper Cups
Post by: Baccy Man on October 12, 2007, 18:07:11
Anti-Bug Mug's are attributed to Alan Titchmarsh wether he actually did invent them or if he just endorses them is not clear.

Biodegradeable cups are still relatively new therefore expensive but you can get them fairly cheap HERE (http://www.partyplastics.co.uk/shop/displayProducts.asp?action=productCategory&searchVal=73&gclid=CLqfqZTqiY8CFQ3tlAodLFt7kA)