Mug Day: Melbourne’s coffee drinkers urged to change caffeine culture and avoid paper cups

MELBOURNE’S coffee lovers are being urged to use their own mugs in a bid to reduce the millions of takeaway cups in landfill.

Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood is challenging Melburnians to change their coffee culture. Picture: David Caird

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MELBOURNE’S coffee lovers are being urged to use their own cups when getting their daily caffeine hit.

A citywide “Mug Day” will be held today as the council aims to reduce the millions of takeaway cups in landfill.

An average cafe will sell 4000 cups a day, and there are 65 coffee machines every square kilometre in the CBD.

Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said it was time to get serious about the waste by bringing reusable mugs.

“Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world ... but we also need to do our bit for the environment,” he said.

“Be part of the solution. Make a simple change and bring your own mug.”

Environment committee chairwoman Cathy Oke said disposable cups were coated with wax to prevent leakage.

“Because of the wax lining on the paper most coffee cups could be classed as waste and not recyclable,” she said.