​Reusable Mugs
Suggestions
With your support, University of Michigan can become a more sustainable campus. Participating in daily efforts to reduce paper cup use by utilizing reusable mugs will lower waste drastically. Join us in our environmentally-friendly efforts!
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Promote the Cause
Those of you Ann Arbor businesses already involved in reusable mug programs, kudos to you! The next step is making students and the university population aware of these programs. Hang posters, send out emails, and pin flyers. We can only participate in these progressive opportunities if awareness is raised across campus.
- communication and education approaches
Incentives
A small monetary incentive increases the likelihood that people will use reusable mugs. People work well with rewards programs. By providing incentives, much like Bert's and Starbucks' people will be encouraged to participate in reusable mug efforts. These cafes' discount programs offer a cheaper coffee if an individual provides their own mug. It is an easy way for students and faculty to join the efforts.
- economic and psychological approach
Reminders
By using prompts, the common excuse, "I forgot it at home!" is no longer valid. Prompts are a way to ensure reusable mug use becomes second nature for fellow University of Michigan students.
- psychological approach
Create a Social Norm
By creating a campus that views reusable mugs as a common behavior, students will inherently join to act in similar ways. Rather than standing apart when using reusable mugs, it should be a way to fit in. Creating this norm is an effective way to increase reusable mug use across campus.
-  psychology and sociology approach
​Publicize Statistics
Sometimes people need to see hard evidence before making life-altering changes. Although changing from paper to reusable mugs is not quite life-altering, it does present a need for behavior change during day-to-day life. By showing statistics that prove reusable mugs are beneficial for the environment, sustainable behavior will likely surface, leaving disposable cups in the dust.
- communication and education approaches
Understanding Behavior
By providing surveys to students and staff regarding their current mug use, the information can be translated to implement efforts for the future. Surveys and data analysis make the barriers apparent and reveal what successful methods should be continued and expanded. Observation techniques can also play a significant part in understanding the public's attitude and behavior with regard to reusable mugs.
- draws on psychological and sociological research
Marx, C., Kerr, C., San Filippo, D., & Martin, P. (2009). Reusable mugs for a greener campus: replacing disposable drink containers with reusable mugs at the University of Colorado at Boulder. University of Colorado Final Report ENVS, 3001.
Alsop, J., Field, T., Kalkreuth, J., Kemp, J., Malach, S., & Popper, A. (2004). Reusable mugs: Reducing waste on Dalhousie’s Studley campus. Professer Tarah Wright: ENVS3502: Dalhousie University.
Harris, B.K, Probert, E.J. Waste minimization at a Welsh university: a viability study using choice modeling. (2009). Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 53(5), 269-275.
Eisen, A., & Barlett, B. (2006). The Piedmont Project: Fostering faculty development toward sustainability. The Journal of Environmental Education, 38(1), 25-36.
Ziada, H. (2009). Disposable coffee cup waste reduction study. Unpublished Manuscript, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. Retrieved from Http://msep.Mcmaster.ca/epp/publications/DisposableCofeeCup.Pdf.
