‘It looks like paper, it acts like plastic’: HE students tackle single-use cups

On Tuesday 14 January, the entrance to the University of Malta Students House buzzed with a fresh wave of sustainability action as students from the BSc (Hons) Home Economics ran their reusable cup event called Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC).

The interactive motivational event was designed to disrupt the "zombie mode" habit of grabbing single-use cups by encouraging the UM community to being their own reusable cup for purchasing beverages on campus. It challenged passers-by with a shocking reality: while a disposable cup is used for an average of just 15 minutes, its plastic lining takes over 30 years to decompose.

Led by a team of eight students, the intervention combined hard-hitting facts with fun incentives. A mobile mascot, "Mister Cup," roamed the area inviting students to scan a QR code and test their "Sustainability Literacy." The response was overwhelming, with 167 UM students and staff completing the digital quiz in 2.5 hours.

Rewards and Lasting Change
The event wasn't just about awareness; it was about motivating change. Throughout the day, 8 lucky students won a brand-new reusable cup to kickstart their sustainability journey. Additionally, participants were treated to home-baked wholesome banana bread and cookies to have with any hot beverage they bought that day.

Crucially, the campaign has left a lasting legacy on campus. While students enjoyed a 50% promotional discount on beverages bought from Il-Kantin throughout Tuesday 14th when they used their own cup, the team is thrilled to announce that starting immediately, Il-Kantin will offer a permanent 10% discount to anyone bringing their own reusable cup. It’s a small simple change in habit, but with dual benefit: reduce plastic waste and save money every single day.

Academic Context
This community-based intervention was organised as part of a study-unit within the BSc (Hons) Home Economics course, taught by Prof. Suzanne Piscopo and Prof. Erika Pace and focused on behaviour change. The assessment project challenges students to plan, implement, and evaluate a health promotion initiative within a lifelong learning perspective.

The Team
The successful campaign was brought to life by: Amber Adriaens, Aurelie Snyers, Oliver Lyasen, Josefin Lofgren, Selma Breen, Paola Orlic, Jitka Lenghardtova and Anne-Lore De Wit.

Acknowledgements
The team extends their sincere gratitude to the sponsors who made this event possible:
● Il-Kantin for the event discount and the new permanent 10% reduction.
● APS Bank for sponsoring five of the reusable prize cups.
● Home Economists in Action (HEiA) for sponsoring three of the reusable prize cups.
● Welbee’s Supermarket for sponsoring the ingredients for the healthy snacks.
● CopyServ for their assistance with printing the visual materials.

REDUCE PLASTIC, BRING YOUR OWN CUP!