These Zero Waste Cafes Are Killing To-Go Culture

weareottos.com/
/ weareottos
thocommodities.com/
/ nowastecafe
/ tho_coffee
www.nossacoffee.com/
Subscribe to Goodful: bzfd.it/2QApoPk
Goodful
Feel better, be better, and do better. Subscribe to Goodful for all your healthy self care needs, from food to fitness and everything in between!
Connect with Goodful:
Like us on Facebook: / officialgood. .
Follow us on Instagram: / goodful
Follow us on Twitter: / goodful
Check out our website: www.goodful.com/
Subscribe to the Goodful Newsletter: www.buzzfeed.com/newsletters/...
GET MORE BUZZFEED:
www.buzzfeed.com
www.buzzfeed.com/videos
/ buzzfeedvideo
/ asis
/ buzzfeedmultiplayer
/ buzzfeedunsolvednetwork
/ buzzfeedceleb
/ perolike
/ buzzfeedviolet
/ goodful
/ nifty
/ buzzfeedtasty
/ bringme
/ abouttoeat
SUBSCRIBE TO BUZZFEED NEWSLETTERS:
www.buzzfeed.com/newsletters
Credits: www.buzzfeed.com/bfmp/videos/
MUSIC
Licensed via Audio Network
EXTERNAL CREDITS
Dale Bentley
weareottos.com/
+
Jack Rogers
weareottos.com/
+
Augusto Carneiro
www.nossacoffee.com/
+
Patricia Acheson
thocommodities.com/
/ goodful

[@daniellewilliams849]

Better title: zero waste cafes are the future of coffee culture Stop making it sound like environmentally dangerous practices disappearing is a bad thing or like they are being killed off. Instead make it sound like it actually is A small step to the future of environmental safety and improvement Making it sound like that, even if the video has a different tone people who skim by will be impacted by the title and make quick judgements consciously about the topic of the video And unconsciously about the movement over all

[@marth8219]

It depends on your associations with certain words. I read the title in a very positive way, because I don't think of "to-go culture" as something positive.

[@MyLifeInDebt]

I read it as positive-and the type of person who would be irritated/outraged by the title will probably rarely come across this video due to algorithm recommendations-but yes, if this were going to be shown on Fox News, a different title would be needed

[@eironhendrix]

I agree it should be renamed

[@lloydchristmas4547]

Agreed.

[@Starlitwarrior]

No, seriously I didn’t see it positive at all. If you know what mental tone to read the title, you can make it positive. But really, it should be changed.

[@katiehemstreet8939]

Starbucks is reusable cup discount is a joke anyway. If you order a hot drink, fine, they make it with your cup, but if you order an iced drink they make it in a to-go cup, then poor that into your cup, and throw the plastic cup away. The do it for the measuring marks on the cups. 😣 My sister worked at Starbucks, and she said the trash and recycling cans both went into the garbage at the end of the night too. It's all greenwashing.

[@lynniev]

I was coming here to say this. Such crap. I've seen them do this with both hot and iced drinks. So wasteful

[@actuallyterry]

You'd think , they would just have a stainless steel measuring cup that could be rinsed.

[@katiehemstreet8939]

@@actuallyterry You'd think. 😣

[@danialharper700]

I have wondered why some products that are used frequently, such as laundry detergent, don't just come in a big tank and just reuse a plastic container. When you run out go to the store and refill instead of constantly buying new plastic one use bottles.

[@actuallyterry]

@@danialharper700 We had stores like that in my neighborhood back in the day. They didn't survive. I'm sure they would thrive now.

[@kimchi8022]

I would 100 percent drive a bit further just to go to this shop instead of Starbucks :)

[@terrancekayton007]

Oh without a doubt!!!!! I drive past Starbucks everyday & go out of my way JUST to get to my favorite gas station coffee ⛽️place. 😆 S.B. Won’t see me

[@KiMoKo9787]

Same here lol I love the Cumberland farms on my way to work, can get any fountain drink or coffees and it's only a dollar and tax

[@ludokerfluffle6232]

5 miles?

[@sapnabisht285]

But not by car right.?..coz that would mean wasting fuel...

[@Julie-jl2kk]

That is a little ironic lolol

[@sknap2728]

To reduce cost and improve recycling opportunities, maybe accept donated mugs. So many people have extra mugs just taking up space in their kitchens. It's a great way for people to feel they contributed to the cause.

[@RahYisrael99]

Now this is a good idea

[@BooksToAshes]

Imagine how much garbage Starbucks makes in a year alone? It's horrible. I hope companies in the future are more conscientious of their actions. It's nice to see some already stepping up and doing something about it!

[@apg7639]

oh, there's a lot of trash!! I remember when I used to work there. I used to throw out about 2-3 (those big industrial) garbage bags per shift, not day. shifts are split 2-3 per day

[@AubreyNhyaMoon]

Ik! And THEY aren't even responsible for disposal

[@iamenoughthewaythatiam1752]

I hope Starbucks is looking at this...

[@tdbaker3564]

i use to live near a starbucks, their garbage was everywhere, between SB, McD and Chick-fil-A, it was a trash nightmare. toss aways even in the trees. bravo to these companies but its sadly a mere drop in the ocean.

[@babyjuggernaught8203]

Seems like companies and corporations should be partially responsible for what happens to packaging they sell product in. These companies have zero landfill responsibilities. Your county has to pay for Starbucks and the like.

[@liz6245]

Something I really love about my country, Italy, is the coffee culture. We don't buy giant cups to sip all morning, but a tiny shot of Espresso, to drink in a few minutes, sitting in the bar and enjoying the morning before going to work, or standing on the bar counter if we are in a rush. But in any case, we take those minutes to stay still, and enjoying a good coffee before the day begins. Disposable products got their way in the market with the message of "you don't have time to do anything". Taking our time to sit, have a coffee or a lunch at our own paste, means fighting this capitalistic and wasteful world.

[@SuspirosdaBea]

Yes! Omg I just wrote a comment similar but about Portugal, we drink mostly an espresso and we either drink it sitting and relaxing or just standing ❤️❤️

[@Bananabear20]

the only problem with espresso is its gone too fast. i like having the comfort of drinking coffee for awhile but can appreciate espresso too. but both can be had in non-disposable cups so thats neither here nor there

[@SuspirosdaBea]

@@Bananabear20 100%, both can exist and be ecological. I agree :)

[@manelthegreek]

The same about Portugal!

[@myflyingkidney]

Same in croatia, we sit down to drink coffee. I literally can not imagine walking around drinking coffee. Besides the disposable cups change the taste od coffee completely, it isn't the best way to drink it. Normal ceramic or glass cups are the only way to go.

[@pancake_ghosty]

When they started doing this in my city I was actually annoyed I couldn't just buy a coffee cup but then I thought about it for 2 seconds and it makes total sense to bring your own refillable cup. There are so many materials available now, the plastic thing has to stop.

[@randalllaue4042]

The pandemic made so much take out waste!!!

[@elizaheathen]

during the pandemic a shop here in KC started doing the jar thing for to go orders, charging $1 extra. you could either return for your deposit or keep a cute little jar for future use! great concept, more shops should follow suit

[@sweekley92]

Do you know what shop it is and if they still do it? Is it the roasterie? I live near KC

[@elizaheathen]

@@sweekley92 it was oddly correct, not sure if they still do it

[@user-bv7mk8id5t]

Strange that I was during the pandemic and not before. I wasn’t even aloud to bring in my own grocery bags at the hike of the pandemic. Take home jar is even stranger. I would mind less if there wasn’t a pandemic. But I do miss cafes that served coffee in actual coffee cups. I actually miss cafes, as we don’t have any anymore. Starbucks shut them all down.

[@faribareads]

This is wonderful! However, as someone with chronic ankle instability, I could never visit the cafe. My ankle would instantly give out. There has to be a better way to make a statement than lining the floor with trash.

[@SimplyMusicJB4]

I would love to see this idea in more coffee shops and big chain corporations!

[@stephanieaspenmoreno6767]

I also support exposing trash all over the floor where you can't see the floor!! That should be an eye opener to anyone walking in to a shop.

[@PortraitsofWar]

Really? I'd be paranoid of the pest infestation that might happen.

[@DuncanRSHarvey]

@@PortraitsofWar Yeah, it's a thought-provoking stunt, but wouldn't they have thought of a more hygienic way to present the waste, like hire a skip that would sit there filled up with cups? I would not trust an establishment that thinks it is fine to sell food on a premises filled with rubbish.

[@turkizno]

@@DuncanRSHarvey Agreed. Maybe put them in a long, tall aquarium as the background of the shop? With the cups cleaned, but kept torn so there is no potential food pests to skitter around them.

[@terrancekayton007]

Eeeek the cat. I couldn’t do that. That’d be my only barrier. Idk depends on how good the coffee was to see if I could make my mind up to override my hygienic processing side.

[@Bazziness]

@@turkizno or, paste the cups on the wall like a wallpaper

[@TheBlooPixie]

Killing in many countries is more of a destroying type word. It really isn't a word of encouragement. This is something that needs to be encouraged BIG TIME!!!

[@terrancekayton007]

I would feel proud to work at a place like this & would enjoy learning the trade.

[@heatheranddenerale]

I've been trying to get my parents to use regular reusable dishes and utensils at their own house. Whenever I visit I use a regular glass for water and my parents get upset that I've used a dish. I've been telling them that they're buying trash when they buy disposable dishes.

[@raapyna8544]

Your parents are big children.

[@karenpost710]

are your parents old or infirm? If you use a dish, wash it for them before you leave.

[@martaszyszka7654]

How come it's so strange for people 🤔 to use dishes. That's what they're made for...?

[@heatheranddenerale]

@@karenpost710 I do wash the dish. But they still get upset. I think they think of the dishes like decor and not utilitarian. Edit to add that they are old and my dad can't really stand for long periods of time. But they were like that when my dad was healthier and younger too.

[@heatheranddenerale]

@@raapyna8544 I think their behavior stems from a deep hurt from childhood. They both grew up extremely poor, like no bed or dishes or shoes. My dad wore the same clothes everyday. So I think now, to them, the dishes they own might be too precious for them to use.

[@EricSisco123]

I love this so much! It will be a slow paradigm shift but it is totally doable. American culture pre1970s was to throw our trash out the car window on the side of the road. Through aggressive campaigns and legislation we turned that around within a decade.

[@ano070602]

I always try to bring my own to go cups. However many places are like we won't uses them because of covid. I've just stopped getting drinks out side of home.

[@raapyna8544]

Here in Finland, we walk along the serving desk, pick what we want to eat, pour the coffee to the cup ourselves (it's self-service) and then pay at the end of the desk. The coffee is in a big container and you push a button or something. It's hygienic because nothing touches my cup except for my hands.

[@Samahra01]

I love this!!! I understand fully that most people (as they don't care about others and the planet unfortunately) need to see that waste...HOWEVER, I have a rodent phobia and I wouldn't want to go to a place with that garbage all over the floor not to mention, the disregard for people who are physically handicapped or elderly? Please tell me this was a very short-lived promotional event.

[@victoriakathleen01]

That kitty napping at the coffee farm 🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@tdbaker3564]

why not? keeps vermin away, they wont be nesting in the farm.

[@victoriakathleen01]

@@tdbaker3564 it makes me so happy and I'm glad there's a good reason for it thank you for enlightening me

[@erikafre8294]

I know right 🥰

[@ms.hotdoglegs614]

Not sure if I would drink coffee and that coffee shop with all the garbage on the floor--mice and roaches.

[@MichaelGambill]

This isn't new or novel but simply a return to practices that have endured for ages.

[@Rasberrylil]

The coffee cups on the floor leave the shop pretty inaccessible for anyone who has trouble walking. I love the ways they're being mindful of the environment though.

[@priscillajimenez27]

This is an awesome idea but unfortunately the honor system won't work everywhere. But some locations are better than no locations. Every little bit helps.

[@racheljones5134]

I got so much respect how you guys dug a little deeper!! You noticed a problem and you guys fixed it. I admire y'all's methods, plus it's rewarding witnessing how much waste is provented.

[@niabothwell2199]

I’ve always supported bringing my own cup or dining in, but since Covid the only option is to get your orders covered in plastic. It’s sad to think about how much waste we’ve produced during Covid.

[@SammiSweetz]

More coffee shops should apply this rule

[@giannaberetta878]

In my country (Italy) take away cups are almost never used (and if you're not a foreigner usually the barista glares at you like "why the rush? What's your problem?" 😂), We use ceramic cups.

[@user-bv7mk8id5t]

We don’t have coffee shops anymore. Starbucks took over and that was the death a true cute little cafe shop. Can’t stand Starbucks and I rarely went before. But after the pandemic I haven’t gone at all! Almost 2 yrs and no Starbucks 😱…Anyway their coffee sticks too! Plus I make way better coffee at home, with my little cheap coffee press and decent coffee beans. RIP cute coffee shops…

[@deepwildviolet]

In the Tulsa OK area, local coffee shops and coffee trucks are alive and well... :)

[@SuspirosdaBea]

This idea is awesome! There are several coffee shops in Portugal that don't have coffee to go, because we are used to drinking an espresso. We drink it quickly, sometimes even standing at the balcon. Now we have coffee shops that want to have coffee to go, because a lot of tourists ask for it, but I will never forget that once I saw a lady wrapping a mug with a latte and giving it to a tourist and asking to later return it 😂 because she did not have any cups. I agree that if we must pay for the cup to go, then some people will prefer just to sit and drink it there

[@SlecnaLiska]

But honestly,what is this to-go coffee culture? It is insane to me we are sooooo damn in hurry all the time that even our morning cup of pleasure must be drunk on the go? That is sooo disgraceful to a coffee...I bought a to go coffee just once in my life but couldn't really enjoy it at all. Also, it was in a plain boring paper cup that fell apart right after using so why the need for plastic? I just don't get it. Is it like fashionable to hurry with a giant plastic cup in the subway and casually sip out of it so everyone would see you are such a busy professional you have to buy your coffee on the go? Not even starting about how much money you could safe if you made yoyr coffee at home.

[@Bananabear20]

@@SlecnaLiska Not everyone has 5 minutes to just sit; it has nothing to do with looking like anything. Taking coffee to go is needed because sometimes, you know, you have to take your coffee and....go.

[@SlecnaLiska]

@@Bananabear20 ok thanks for explanation but not much clearer to me though. I guess it is just not up to me to judge. The only thing sad about this except the lack of 5 minutes for self and appreciation of the world around is the tons of plastic in which we will soon sink.

[@Ash_Wen-li]

@@SlecnaLiska People want to have a large drink to sip on at the work

[@terrancekayton007]

The big difference I heard he they made was “I read a book” and made some changes to our process. If we aren’t growing water dying this is a perfect example of bringing life into your business and community.

[@angelagentry562]

I love this…since I’ve retired I’ve got the time to do it. This is great. Just like bring your own bags and jars for dry goods grocery stores

[@fern69666]

We need more of these stores!

[@terrancekayton007]

The only I’m perplexed about, I don’t believe I heard anything about sanitation, Friends :( digging in trash cans & empty used cups in trudging through to get to the good stuff. The floor thing is a cool cute idea if I knew I was walking thru someone slobber from god knows when…so that’s my only issue judging from this quick 4 minute video. But I’m sure these intelligent beens (beings lol) have a (cleaning) solution for that ;) I love this concept & I hope America as a whole begin to adapt to the ”People, Planet Profit”model.

[@Luniel11]

I hope those cups on the floor were just used as an art exhibit for filming. The floor should be mopped daily especially with customers coming in and out, dirty shoes, public bathroom floors ect

[@terrancekayton007]

@@Luniel11 4sure that make sense

[@dfuss2756]

Unfortunately this leaves people such as my self who are allergic to the faux milks. Good idea though. I like the fact that people can slow down and get their thoughts together before jumping into the fray. In my day everything came in either glass or cans, and groceries where bagged in paper or you brought your own basket. I really loved visiting Europe and the Scandinavian countries. Those places know how to slow down, take time to enjoy life. I never saw a plastic or paper cup. Also I never had problems with acid reflux, until I returned to America, with its chemical laiden foods.

[@NetZeroTech]

Great work! So smart on the loss aversion. The mug wall and the refill station are awesome.

[@tammyprovost936]

Now this is an aggressively amazing thing to do this is what people need in America everyone needs to do this thank you for doing this God bless

[@dbrh43]

I'm in 🗽 I don't drink coffee but this is a awesome idea

[@wadafik]

"Decorating" the cafe floor with empty cups is such an ingenious idea.

[@wyntersoleil]

They should put a class cover so it's not hard to walk on and people in wheelchairs can still come inside.

[@josephallen8044]

Ya it's so hygienic to take cups out of the trash and put them on the floor of a restaurant. SMH

[@fallingspark2258]

@@josephallen8044 The floor was already unhygienic, because...you know...floor. Just don't lick your shoes. SMH

[@virginiaandrews2520]

How do I start one of these cafes? And what about Dunkin and Starbucks NOT filling your home brought cup right now due to the pandemic? Would a coffee shop be allowed to operate on the coffee mug system?

[@lizhopkins6926]

Haven’t left my house without a reusable mug in years. It’s just a force of habit now! In the off chance I forget I just forgo getting coffee. It’s pretty easy.

[@lovexanisa]

even the cups that say 100% compostable are made of plastic? anybody trying to hit up a lawyer to make a lawsuit?

[@magdalenas.8326]

4:20 best worker

[@victoriakathleen01]

I came here to comment this!

[@priscillajimenez27]

☺️

[@terrancekayton007]

The kitty 😂 for sure probably the best Manager ever!

[@terrancekayton007]

The kitty 🐈‍⬛ gets Employee of the Year! For all the effort they put into every bean! 😂

[@aynapaisley]

I loved coming with my own cup to coffee shops, but now with covid a lot of them stopped doing it, as if the reusable cup is going to start spitting around covid the minute they bring it over to the coffee machine. I hope it comes back some day. But yes, everyone should wake up and stop treating this world like it's disposable

[@hazysoda21]

The mug wall is such a cute idea. And i love that we can choose our cups

[@stephanieaspenmoreno6767]

Genius! Gives me a little more hope for the future

[@chloeyen3077]

What makes me sick is that there are some people who are used disposable cups in their human behavior and can’t adapt. My parents end up throwing away my reusable items and I have to use disposable stuff.

[@BliffleSplick]

The individualisation of responsibility is a passing of the buck from corporations who are actually the leading causes of the problem. And it won't solve the problem, just give the corporations implied permission to do worse because they passed the cost to the individual

[@roastedbeans2051]

LOVE THISSS!! everything about this is goals!!

[@melissa7122]

I love this! The wall mug makes me want to go there!

[@Joy-ky5wf]

What an amazing concept! I would totally support a coffee shop like these ones in my town...namaste 🙏

[@dogeeatsveggies]

I am freaking in love with their idea

[@ithinkidoishare1401]

Thank you so much 🥰💕💟

[@silvy3199]

Luckily in my country to go cups are not a thing. Since moving abroad I bought a reusable one.

[@alonelydragonn3832]

A great step by these smaller companies 👍

[@introvertsrock9843]

The grocery stores should start charging for their bags, Inspire ppl to start bringing their own. Fast food places could do something too for their to-go containers

[@Nova-jj6ov]

This is great. I hope to see more shops like this across the country!

[@kerrymurphy794]

Brilliant, wish more companies will follow this model, congratulations.

[@alwayslearning7672]

A good example when the customer is not always right. Here: The owner is right!

[@joydavis3089]

Thank You!!!!!

[@DikshaDivaDixit]

Brilliant initiative, so inspiring ❤️🌱

[@AnonymousanonymousA]

A month ago ... during covid, and countless pathogens from who knows ....smh

[@affentat8723]

I love the idea of the trash on the floor! That way, you are really reminded of what it means to buy single use items.

[@susansampson3488]

The cups on the floor would keep me away, but a mural of them on the wall would be cool.

[@Sarah-eb9rz]

Wow this is so awesome!! 🙌🏽

[@jessiecoghlan7010]

Love this!

[@slickrgl]

Amazing initiative. amazing people. Love this!

[@shannonroysden7908]

Y’all killin’ it!!!!

[@Wooddweller]

I like the theme. It conveys the message and it’s memorable.

[@keckoffffff]

So happy we have Vytal here in Germany now. I love it. This way i can still enjoy takeout food/coffee while not producing so much trash

[@i_n_sist8641]

She had me an eyebrow Serum 😍 Focus.... Yasss bring your own cup!

[@Martina_E]

I love this concept! Can more places do this?!

[@designbuildla]

Love it !!

[@SonnyLabaynaOnFIRE]

Spread this! 😇

[@ludrizyy]

i love this idea 😍😍😍

[@jessicalt4121]

I love the jar or mug wall.

[@purrmikitty]

I'm implementing this in my Cat Cafe 😻☕💕🐈🤗

[@lightfrequency8032]

I love it.

[@vidhanshah6666]

If every to go cup customer goes with his/her own reusable cups or coffee thermos

[@agawdsparadise3782]

Great idea!

[@laramatthews2082]

Sounds lovely!!

[@TheBlanketwer]

Fun! Love love love!

[@gloomygoony6870]

This needs to get blown up so YALL become a chain I need to go here but I’m not in Caliii

[@heatherkaye8653]

Nossa is really tasty coffee too. It's some of my favorite local beans, for sure!

[@RafaelRabinovich]

Back when I was a child people went to drink coffee in a completely reusable ceramic cup. This disposable madness is completely unnecessary if you are drinking at the coffee shop.

[@w6ea6ch6e8]

This is so good

[@palapalak.8907]

Amazing!!! I bought 4 recyclable mugs. Using them everyday.

[@shmutube]

Great idea! Also...maybe have compostable to-go cups so they can throw it in with all those coffee grounds?

[@ronnipassmore8717]

AWESOME BECAUSE THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE AND YOU CARE WHEN OTHERS ARE JUST ABOUT PROFIT AND NO CONCERN WHATSOEVER! GOLD METAL HONOR IN MY BOOK! Love & Light with abundance! ❤️❤️❤️

[@mowthpeece1]

I just make my own coffee, thanks.

[@jatca1]

I like the idea and agree wholeheartedly, BUT all those dirty cups on the shops floor would keep me from ever going in there.

[@everythingpony]

Coffee cups are recyclable, plastic is recyclable

[@alfspacealiencateater4786]

Nice to see a idea that doesn't destroy people's businesses

[@GeckoHiker]

Great idea to waste less. That's why my day bag includes a portable cafe. My grandfather called it a thermos. When the thermos is empty I drink water out of a recycled glass kombucha bottle I got from a friend who should know better. On that note, carry on...

[@simplydoz]

So here's the bigger problem: the logistics and shipping of coffee beans and coffee related products like creamer and sugar and syrups etc. These are driving waste far beyond that of coffee cups. The reality here is coffee stores discovered if they do something different than their competitors, it would drive a short term customer increase. In some cases they could maintain that new customer base. But it doesn't mean the total waste went down. As these stores shifted to the trend they also likely started ordering more raw materials, that come in often non recyclable or hard to recycle materials.Because you guessed it, they needed to serve more customers. So despite what these stores and commercials say, it's not about helping the planet, it's about turning a profit.

[@crashman4483]

I live in New York state where you are no longer allowed to use plastic bags at grocery stores or convenience stores for the sake of the environment. Post covid everything is quadruple wrapped in plastic.... Kind of a two steps forward three steps back situation.

[@brainwashingdetergent4322]

Nearly all municipalities don’t allow for the customer to bring his own mug for a refill.

[@foghornleghorn262]

There are bars, diners and mom and pop restaurants that have their regular customer cups available for them each time they come in. This concept is not new.

[@christiedawn7663]

Awesome human incentive!

[@prettydisabled9060]

Yes!

[@craeddock]

Yay. We have trash from coffee stores. Heard about this since the 90s. Anyone ever thought how much waste goes into retail signage, displays, and marketing?