Synopsis
The use of disposable paper cups is highly prevalent with coffee drinkers who find its use a great convenience. To change the habitual use of these cups, we have to instil the idea of this convenience having a cost to it as well as an environmental impact.
The main resources that will be utilized to promote public awareness on waste reduction are the very people who serve millions of coffee drinkers each day: the servers. The idea is to influence and educate customers to reduce the use of paper cups and keep them out of landfills by providing exceptional customer service through dedicated and knowledgeable service staff. This idea would be aided by the implementation of a paper cup stewardship program.
Serving Staff
The term customer service has come a long way from meaning getting what you want to getting what you deserve. What you want here is a cup of coffee; what you deserve is a clean and sustainable environment to live in. Focusing on this aspect, in addition to promoting their products, the servers will strategically promote the use of reusable containers with the help of the stewardship program to aid in the reduction of paper cups being thrown out as waste. These servers will have a firm knowledgebase on the environmental impact of the use paper cups and may have additional knowledge on environmental conservation. The idea here is to be responsible yet confident on the reality that waste reduction is possible.
Paper Cup Stewardship
This program enables customers to take an active role in reducing the number of paper cups that go to waste. It involves a high, but reasonable fee charged on each paper cup requested; however, if a paper cup is brought back, the fee is waived. Collection utilities would be implemented to maintain sanitary conditions as well as effective use for customers.
Advantages
+ Promotes public awareness on recycling and recovery of paper cups
+ Enhances service for the business
+ More knowledgeable customers and staff
+ Improve company image and standards
Disadvantages
- Does not reduce paper cup production
- Customer may forget cup (but idea of program is to change this)
- Employment requirements become more stringent
- Method should work best with recyclable paper cups
Useful?
jblevinson
Useful?
vinnyboy idea owner
Thanks for your comment. I have uploaded a flow diagram for what servers would say at the time off ordering. It is very simple and straight forward and I've seen servers promote the idea of reusable containers as well, but it doesn't seem like companies are getting the idea that customer service has a huge impact on the way customers think.
Server knowledgebase will be included soon since I'm working out the specifics.
There will be a phase two to this program which will involve targetting where majority of the coffee cups end up: our community, place of work, and schools.
Useful?
aperilous
Useful?
Janne