Customers vented their fury that the disposable cups would have a negative impact on the local environment while some defenders said they understood the reasoning behind the move
Customers have vented their fury after a café made the decision to sell all its coffees in disposable cups with locals sharing their concerns about the impact on the environment.
Surfing Lizard, which operates two locations in Western Australia, one in Secret Harbour and another in Coogee, both near Perth, shared the update last week. In a now-removed Facebook post, the business said it was more viable to serve its drinks, with the exception of alcohol, in take away cups due to staff shortages.
But the move was slammed by customers who branded it “1960s behaviour.” Another said it was a “backward” step that would not align with the communities values about the environment.
A customer, who gave his name only as Raymond, told news.com.au: “You only have to look at a place like Bali to realise giving customers disposable cups is going to cause issues. It’s behaviour the 1960s when people didn’t give a s***.
“We’re better than that now as a society, at least we should be. It’s a joke really.” Another customer called Sally added: “We live on a beautiful stretch of coastline and it’s disappointing that a business operating so close to our ocean isn’t concerned about the sustainability of serving everyone using disposable cups.
“There was a big push last year to reduce single use straws, cups, etc so this change seems like a bit of a backwards step and I’m not sure it aligns with the values of the local community.”
The Mirror has contacted Surfing Lizard for comment.
A sign seen outside the Secret Harbour café last week is reported to have said: “Dear customers, due to a shortage of skilled baristas during this busy season, all drinks – except alcoholic beverages – will be served in takeaway cups until the end of summer. We believe it’s better to serve you a great coffee in a takeaway cup than a subpar one in a mug.”
Local resident Diane was supportive of the move as it was temporary and that she viewed the owners of being good community members. She added: “I believe his [one of the owner’s] decision to use paper cups was made thoughtfully and he took into account the effect it would have on the wildlife.
“I think there’s things beyond his control that led to it and he’s made everyone aware, plus it’s only a short term thing so I trust that he’s made the best decision he can.”
News.com.au said a bin located close to the café was overflowing with waste and disposable cups that then blew onto the ground in a light breeze. Up the path, several cups were seen on the dunes and along the footpath.
