Working with Frank Green (producers of the reusable SmartCup) and Vegware (eco friendly packaging and catering disposables), organisers hopes to encourage visitors to “use compostable or reusable cups when ordering and consuming hot beverages,” following reports that “over seven million coffee cups are thrown away every day in the UK, and only 1% are recycled.”
Edinburgh Coffee Festival organiser, Martin Dare, commented: “The fact that people around the world are celebrating International Coffee Day this weekend (1 October) shows just how popular coffee has become in recent years.
“With everyone leading such busy lifestyles, coffee is increasingly consumed on the go, and we want to encourage visitors to the Edinburgh Coffee Festival to think carefully about how much waste that generates and work with us to make the event zero waste.”
As well as 40 Scottish tea and coffee exhibitors, there will also be a number of live talks and demonstrations on tasting, coffee and tea brewing, as well as advice on setting up a coffee shop. The festival will also be hosting a half-day introduction to coffee course, teaching guests about the science of roasting, brewing and sensory skills.
Dare added: “The Edinburgh Coffee Festival brings everyone together under one roof, from roasters to baristas, master cake makers to foodie bloggers and tea connoisseurs. It’s a fantastic way to taste loads of delicious beverages and get to know the great coffee scene we have here in the capital.”
The event, now in its third year, will take place on 14 October at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased via: http://www.edinburghcoffeefestival.co.uk.