Author: Sarahanne Wright
, Susan Gregory & Sema Kalaian
Summary:
With volatile petroleum costs, decreasing space in local landfills, and an increased focus on protecting the environment, some within the hospitality industry are switching to biodegradable disposable packaging. Free-standing coffee shops were surveyed to determine their environmental purchasing habits as they pertain to biodegradable versus traditional single-use disposable beverage cups. Results showed that while most owners and managers believe they have a general environmental ethic, that ethic is not evidenced by their cup purchasing habits. They predominantly use traditional petroleum-based disposable cups because of the high cost, lack of availability of product, and poor performance of biodegradable options.
