Instead of the single-use paper or plastic cups that Gearhard would usually line up for the barista slinging espresso, he’s passing over shiny new reusable cups that bear the slogan “Sip, Return, Repeat”. Customers who need their lattes to go can take the purple cups with them, then return them to one of 60 bins scattered across downtown Petaluma when they’ve finished. Each cup comes with a trackable QR code to help monitor results.
Most people stop for coffee on their way somewhere. They don’t want to be carrying a cup around all day.
Takeout cups should be environmentally friendly, or not offered at all. If you can’t make it green, make time to sit down for your coffee (or put up with your own travel mug).