Bubble tea and smoothies have gained immense popularity in recent years. They are refreshing, delicious, and come in a variety of flavors perfect for summer or winter days. However, these drinks are often served in plastic cups with plastic straws, which creates a massive waste piling to landfill and contributes to environmental pollution. To enjoy these drinks sustainably, here are the top four simple ways to consume bubble tea and smoothies in a more eco-friendly manner.
1.Use Reusable Straws
One of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution is the use of single-use plastic straws. They are not biodegradable and take hundreds of years to decompose. It recent times various governments have taken the next step approach to introduce single-use plastics ban to combat the environmental pollution issue. This movement is expected to grow on a global scale. To reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by bubble tea and smoothies, invest in a set of reusable straws. You can choose from bamboo, stainless steel, silicone or glass straws, which can be easily washed and reused. Keep one or two in your bag, and you'll be good to go.
See Bobbleware's range of reusable boba and smoothie straws large enough for all your favourite toppings to go through.
2. Bring Your Own Cup or Tumbler
Another way to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by bubble tea and smoothies is to bring your own cup or tumbler. Most bubble tea, smoothie shops and juice bars have no problem using your own container, and some even offer discounts for doing so. By bringing your own cup or tumbler, you reduce the amount of plastic waste produced and help save the environment.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly Packaging
If you forget your reusable container or straw, opt for eco-friendly packaging. Some bubble tea shops have started using biodegradable cups made from cornstarch or sugarcane, which can break down easily and reduce waste. Additionally, some shops have switched to using paper straws, which are more environmentally friendly than plastics and have been seen as a common replacement to default plastic straws.
With this we acknowledge the issue of soggy paper straws where they often turn soft and unusable before we finish consuming a drink. Stay tune for our innovative design registered product, Bobbleware Sip®, launching late April 2023 to address this strawsome!
4. DIY at home
With the increasing popularity of bubble tea around the world, at home DIY bubble tea kits are now available from various supermarket shelfs. A DIY boba kit is a set of ingredients and tools that allow you to make your own boba (tapioca pearls) and bubble tea at home. The kit typically includes dry tapioca pearls, tea bags, flavored syrups, and a set of instructions. With a DIY boba kit, you can enjoy the fun and satisfaction of making your own boba and bubble tea from scratch, while also customizing your drink to your personal taste preferences without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, there are several simple ways to consume bubble tea and smoothies sustainably. Using reusable straws, bringing your own cup or tumbler, choosing eco-friendly packaging, and attempt for home DIY are the effective ways to reduce plastic waste and help the environment. By making small changes to your consumption habits, you can contribute to a cleaner and greener planet.