Are you GREEN when no one's looking?

[Dan Goldsbury]

I was running some errands with my wife one afternoon not too long ago when I felt the urge for an iced coffee. Sure I’d already had one that day, but whatever, it was my day off! We located a Starbucks close by and pulled into the parking lot.

That's when I realize that I didn't bring my mug. What a miserable discovery! Ever since I helped start this Mug Project thing I'm constantly being reminded that I am a green role model for so many others. But what about when no one's looking?

As I contemplated what to do, I serious considered driving the six or seven miles back to my apartment to get my mug. I also spent about ten minutes pricing out mugs, none of which I could see myself ever using. Finally, after a near mental breakdown, I ordered an iced coffee - without a mug! Granted I recycled the cup, yet still I wondered: did this lack of mug use make me a bad person, or more importantly, a poor environmental advocate? I hope not…

Okay Mug Advocates, let us turn it over to you. Has there been a time recently when you failed to be a proper steward of the environment? Or has there been a time when you were torn about a consumption choice such as driving six or seven miles (burning fossil fuels all the way) or ordering a coffee without a mug? Please visit www.mugproject.com and share your story in our blog entitled "Are you GREEN when no one's looking?"

And although we haven't been in touch lately, please know that we very much value your membership in The Mug Project. If you have suggestions or input on what direction we should head in next, please let us know. Until next time, keep raising that mug!

Mug Lovin,

Dan & Joseph

[Angela Groninger]

Keep a cache of mugs in the car, Dan. I used to always forget to bring my cloth totes into the grocery store, and lots of times just said, f-it, I ain't going back to get the bags...until one day I DID go back. The exercise of taking the time to go back and get my cloth totes taught me to always keep them in the car. So, keep a few mugs handy..you never know when the urge to drink iced-coffee will pop-up!

[Dan Goldsbury]

To clarify what happened a bit, I was "on the go" that day. If I was going to stay at the cafe, I certainly would have used one of their mugs. I think that so many of use drink "on the go" that it makes it nearly impossible to have a mug with us at all times.

Anyone else have a story of when they weren't their greenest selves???

[Jean / Rotem Gear]

Does Starbucks not provide ceramic cups upon request? That seems surprising. Maybe we should work on them ;)

[arianna]

Well, hey, at least it is summertime and you were able to get an iced coffee in a recyclable plastic cup instead of in those awful styrofoam ones! When I first read that you had recycled your cup after using it, I thought "wha...? you can recycle styrofoam now?!" until the realization registered. :)

It's a difficult decision to make, but you just can't always have your mug with you. I think that making a point to use your mug as much as possible is all you really can do. It probably was better to get the plastic cup one time than drive home & back! I definitely think the more we use our mugs the better, but we're only human, after all. Sometimes you're allowed a coffee sans mug. ;)

[Jean / Rotem Gear]

Re suggestions, some time ago I suggested you guys start a CafePress mug shop (I can happily help you with that if needed.) You can help support the Mug Project, have other businesses affiliate to you, you can even run design contests (win a mug!) and get members more involved and excited.

There are presently 3 mug styles to choose from and soon we are about to offer tapered ceramic travel mugs -- they are looking good.

I'm up to 4 cents now!

[Jean / Rotem Gear]

Hi Dan

The solution seems clear enough! Ask for your coffee in a ceramic mug. If the coffee shop does not provide them, shame on them and maybe it's time to patronize a place who does!

My caffeine-deprived 2 cents :D