I'll admit: if I'm rushing to grab a coffee, I almost never remember to bring a reusable cup with me.  I end up having to toss my paper cup in the trash, and my latte never tastes as good -- what is it with disposable cups that just makes hot drinks taste funky?

Fortunately, with a few simple changes, you can practically eliminate the last-minute-coffee-dash from your life!  I now only toss a few paper cups per year -- usually in the airport terminal waiting for an early morning flight -- and all without any reduction in my coffee habit.*

If you can, have coffee at work instead of picking up it up on the way.  You'll eliminate the need for a paper cup and have one less stop during your commute.  If your workplace won't allow a coffeemaker, try having your morning cup at home or bringing it with you in a thermos or to-go coffee mug.latte.jpg

But think about this: what did people do before disposable coffee cups? They went to cafes with friends and sat down.  When did our lifestyles become to-go only?  The Slow Food Movement is one of many groups that encourages people to savor and "know" their food by combining pleasure and responsibility.  For this week's Green Goal, try making a slow-coffee date with a friend, family member, or even just yourself and a good book!  Take time to sit in a coffee shop or at home, slowly enjoying your coffee -- no rushing allowed.

Too busy?  Two of my friends frequently have early morning coffee dates, where they wake up early to meet at a nearby shop shortly after it opens.  They're able to chat over their lattes for more than half and hour before each heading to work!  Get creative and you may find you have more time than you think!

*This probably warrants a Green Goal of its own, but I'm not sure I'm ready to go there yet.