Did you know that the takeaway paper cups you get from cafes can’t be recycled? I didn’t until a few months ago, when there were lots of articles in the news about it.

Turns out the articles I saw were triggered by the BBC programme Hugh’s War on Waste. It was on TV last night and in it Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall investigates how the takeaway cups can’t be recycled as the plastic lining can’t be easily separated from the paper. Plus the cups are made from virgin paper, which makes it even worse.

It’s worth a watch if you haven’t already seen it. The takeaway cups are referred to as coffee cups throughout, but we know you can get tea in them too and so it’s even more reason to take a leisurely break for proper tea in a proper pot with a proper cup and saucer. Or bring your own reusable cup.