The fancy disposable cups could lead to cancer

Are you planning to flaunt your favourite iced latte or frappe or your hot tea or coffee in the fancy cup…then it’s time to get a little serious. In our fast-paced world, every one of us wants our drinks on the go, wherever and whenever we go. But do we all even realise that these beverages when poured into the so-called fancy paper cups and covered lids are increasing the risk of cancer?

It is often believed that these plastic cups or bottles were never been a choice at large as they contain BPA (a chemical linked to cancer and other diseases) and keeping that in mind many paper cups replaced plastic cups (once referred to as nature’s gift) on the market and started selling their produce in the market as “eco-friendly”. There is no denying the fact that paper cups may be healthier for the planet Earth than plastic but the big question that puts everyone in trouble is whether they are safe for the INDIVIDUAL at large.

As per various types of research conducted in and out, it has been found that over thirty billion sub-micron-sized plastic particles present in the top layer of these so-called eco-friendly paper cups showed the presence of heavy metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium in the liners, which can be the major cause for the increase of risk of cancer. The plastic coating, when exposed to hot liquids starts to break down and releases trillions of nanoparticles of microplastics per litre and when they are ingested regularly over time, the health implications could be serious. Studies have even shown that the chemicals present in them can have adverse effects on human health, particularly in the context of reproductive health. These chemicals have also been linked to interference in sperm production, genital malformation and even hormonal disturbances.

So next time when you hit a coffee shop or a kiosk for your favourite iced frappe or hot tea/coffee remember, that these cups and the covering lid are a harm to living organisms when they end up in nature. One of many solutions is to make and enjoy your tea/coffee at home or to bring your reusable travel mug when you get to your favourite coffee shop. Today, many start-ups are offering edible, biodegradable, plastic-free alternatives to the standard polyethylene-lined paper cups that are used for tea or coffee which largely end up in landfills.

These takeaway cups come with an inner lining that helps the cup stay waterproof and the lining also makes it difficult to recycle these cups. The concept of edible cups is a lot in which these cups are made with oats and grains and last for almost eight to ten hours without even affecting the taste of the drink. Alternatively, the use of earthen cups, often referred to as kulhad is a hygienic and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and paper cups. The simple yet earthy texture and the aroma allow one to truly appreciate the drink in a completely different and rustic way. Also, such cups are non-reusable and when disposed of or broken can get merged with the soil and be used again.

So, if you love your tea or coffee, think twice or thrice about how to grab yours in a healthy and eco-friendly way and say a big NO to the disposables as aptly said “You can’t control everything in your life but, you can control what you put in your body.”

(The writer is educator; views are personal)