By Mrs Hudson-Findley (Director of Digital Learning, Enterprise and Sustainability)

We are always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact, and we’re thrilled to share the latest step in our sustainability journey: the launch of our new reusable cups. These aren’t just any reusable cups, they’re 100% microplastic-free and thoughtfully designed to help protect our planet!

The neutral buttermilk colour of the cups isn’t just about aesthetics; it reflects their eco-friendly credentials. Adding colour would add plastic into the cup. If these cups ever find their way into landfill, they break down into a micronutrient wax that feeds the soil—leaving no harmful microplastics behind.

Why is this important? Consider this: in the UK, an estimated 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups are sent to landfill every year. On top of that, around 20 million reusable ‘travel mugs’ often containing microplastics end up in landfill as well. These numbers are staggering, and we want to do our part to change the story.

In the last half term, Chequers used over 1,700 disposable cups, which cannot be recycled due to their plastic coating. By opting for our new reusable cups, parents, staff, and students can help to minimise waste and contribute to a more sustainable future for our community.

We are encouraging eco-friendly habits by offering a £0.10 discount on hot drinks for anyone who uses a reusable cup. This initiative is a small step towards reducing single-use waste and promoting sustainable choices within our community. By making the switch to reusable cups, we can collectively help to reduce waste, conserve resources, and reinforce the value of thoughtful, sustainable habits for our students.

We hope this is just the beginning of even bigger changes. So next time you’re in Chequers café, why not pick up one of our reusable cups, or bring your own?