Riihimäki takes a step towards zero waste

The city of Riihimäki is taking an important step from single-use to circular economy when it becomes the first city in Finland to replace disposable cups with washable, reusable cups. The new cups have already been tested at Easter events, and in the future, all events organized by the city of Riihimäki will aim to use durable cups instead of disposable ones. Durable cups are also used in meetings and coffee rooms. The goal is to reduce waste and bring a sustainable alternative to events and to employees' everyday lives. Disposable products are a more harmful option for the environment than washable cups that can be used hundreds of times.

"The use of washable mugs at the Easter event has gone well. We have reminded visitors about this with signs and the mugs ended up in the collection boxes instead of the trash. This is an important step towards even more responsible events," describes Lyti Aaltonen, Riihimäki's responsible cultural producer.

The city of Riihimäki aims to be zero-emission, zero-waste and sustainable by 2050. To achieve the goals, action is needed in many areas. Reducing single-use products is one important measure towards the goals. EU legislation also guides towards preferring sustainable and reusable products over disposable ones.

The mugs used by Riihimäki are supplied by Green Cup Loppel. For larger batches, their washing service is also used.