The Bee Cup launches across campus
09 Sep 2024
Sip sustainability with The Bee Cup, a reusable cup scheme and joint initiative between the University, Manchester City Council, and InOurNature. It has launched in several hot drink locations across campus and on Oxford Road on Monday, 9 September.
Developed as part of our Environmental Sustainability strategy, the scheme aims to significantly reduce the number of single-use paper cups used at our campus café locations every year. Colleagues using the Bee Cup will be able to get it for free (as long as it's returned within 14 days), whereas there will be a 50p charge for any disposable cups.
Several locations on Oxford Road will be taking part in the scheme alongside every café on campus. This includes:
- the Students’ Union
- Benugo
- Royal Northern College of Music
- Eighth Day
- Bold Street
A 'roadshow' is taking place in each of the open outlets this week, with student ambassadors sharing information about the inititative and helping people to register for it.
Alison Shedlock, Director of Campus Services, said: “We are so excited to be launching the Bee Cup and working with partners in the city. I hope that the university community embrace the scheme so that we can significantly reduce the number of single use cups purchased on campus and reduce our carbon footprint, with the objective to expand the scheme across Manchester.”
Julia Durkan, Head of Environmental Sustainability, said: “This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership to drive waste reduction and foster a culture of sustainability. It empowers our staff, students, visitors and the local community to make small changes that collectively have a big impact on the environment."
How to take part in the Bee Cup scheme:
Colleagues and students who want to use the Bee Cup scheme will get their first drink for free. Once finished with a cup, they can be returned to any of the named locations to the return point, a “bin” for the cups to be placed in so they can be washed and reused.
To take part in the scheme, you must:
- Download the Vytal app by scanning the QR code in the article's image above and get your first drink free.
- Enjoy your drink and return the Bee Cup to any participating location to be washed and stored. Make sure to scan your cup at the return point so you don’t get charged.
- When buying your next drink, the café will give you a new clean cup which you need to scan in on the app.
Note: If you return your cup and scan it back in within 14 days, there will be no cost. However, if it isn’t returned in this timeframe there is a £5 charge.
Discounts at FoodOnCampus locations
Colleagues can receive 10% off any purchases at FoodOnCampus locations only by registering their Staff ID card with Food In Advance and topping it up. More information can be found on the FoodOnCampus website.