With UEA aiming to reach Net Zero by 2045, the need to make mindful decisions in regards to avoidable waste is as pressing as ever. Unio is no exception in their commitment to the universities’ pledge to ‘support students and staff to make greener choices’, with their introduction of a cup charge on disposable cups. Unio has informed Concrete that,: 

“In the last two weeks of May 2024, 10,800 disposable cups were used in Unio, equating to 162,000 disposable cups just in UEA term times per year – that’s rubbish!” 

In order to counteract the scale of waste, from August onwards, a 30p levy has been placed upon all disposable cups, with the ability to waive this charge only being possible if students and staff bring a reusable cup. Unio acknowledges the difficulties that may arise in asking the student body to bring their own cups and so has provided an alternative for those who may forget. They state: 

“Remembering to bring your reusable cup might be tricky but, if you do forget, we want to help you become more sustainable by introducing Huskup; a reusable hot drink cup made from rice husks (not plastic), sold at cost.” 

Huskup is sold in a variety of colours and designs at Unio for £5.70, with customers being able to claim their first hot drink free of cost.  

Although this practice is being utilised by students and staff already, Unio is keen to spread the word and encourage those who are unaware of the levy to not only save money, but to help make the UEA campus a more environmental place through the aid of those who live and work here.  

With 7 million coffee cups thrown away each day in the UK alone, it is a small step towards a more kinder, more sustainable future. 

Photo Credit: Anna Johnson/Concrete