What a great initiative from Starbucks! Starbucks has introduced a 5p charge for single-use cups in its central London locations in an attempt to help tackle the UK's plastic waste epidemic. They are the first major coffee seller to introduce an extra charge on single-use take away cups. Some other chains do offer a discount for customers bringing in their own cups. Customers who bring their own mug will not have to pay the extra 5p in 35 Starbucks branches for the duration of the three-month trial that begins this week in the city. If it’s successful the company may roll it out to other outlets. Initial research showed that over 50% said they would be happy to carry their own refillable cup. “We’re hoping that this charge will remind customers to rethink their use of single-use plastic-lined cups, as it has with plastic bags,” said Simon Redfern of Starbucks Europe. We are seeing the same trend in the business world with more retailers and corporates providing plumbed in water machines so that staff and consumers can think again about buying water bottles and instead fill their own. #PassOnPlastic Read more here.