Pure Coffee?

I'm not one of those people who is addicted to Dunkin' Donuts coffee (although their latte ain't bad at all). Their plain 'ol glazed donut is another story. But we're not here to talk about that sugary goodness.

We're here to talk about the coffee, or rather, the container that holds said coffee...Styrofoam. Styrofoam? Really? In 2008- Styrofoam? I'm shocked that such a big company hasn't switched to a more eco-friendly option in coffee cups. It seems like such an unenlightened choice.

Now don't get me wrong, they have great ads and their billboards make some kick-ass bags (see photo and -plug here- available online) because pink and orange are rare colors in billboards- kinda like red sea glass...but, I digress.
Styrofoam is made by Dow. A chemical company. Wouldn't it stand to reason that if you heat a chemical product (with say, coffee) that you would have to be ingesting some chemicals? That's not the kind of pick-me-up I need in the morning!
The EPA did a human tissue survey and found: By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent of all samples of human fat tissue. Researchers found that Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities, and even carcinogenic effects.

DD is the biggest food producer of Styrofoam waste! 3 billion Styrofoam cups are purchased and disposed of each year in the US from customers of Dunkin Donuts! Outrageous, right? Do your part and tell Dunkin Donuts to change their cups.

or write to them at:
Dunkin’ Donuts Consumer Care
130 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021
Tel: 800-859-5339

UPDATE: On the plus side, we've just read the Dunkin Donuts recently opened its first (hopefully of many) LEED-certified stores in St. Petersburg, FL...and yes, they use paper cups made from renewable sources. Plus they encourage you to bring your own mug in. Way to go DD!