How to start a keep-cup initiative at your school (without becoming 'that mum')
A 4-week plan, the email template, and how to get the canteen on side.
In a nutshell
Most principals say yes the first time you ask — if you bring a plan, a canteen incentive, and a kid on the morning announcements.
Pros
- Cuts hundreds of disposable cups a week
- Saves the canteen money on lids and cups
- Builds a quiet leadership win for your kid
Cons
- Needs a parent + teacher champion to stick
- Cups go missing in week one (build in a return shelf)
- Won't work without the canteen on side
Cheatsheet
- 1Week 1 — short email to the principal, lead with the wins (not values)
- 2Week 2 — pitch the canteen: 20c discount, branded return shelf, 'name your cup' comp
- 3Week 3 — launch via morning announcements with a parent + teacher + student
- 4Week 4 — celebrate the numbers (cups saved) on the school newsletter
- 5Re-launch every term so new families opt in
Why bother
A primary school of 400 kids easily burns 1,000 disposable cups a week at events. One person with a plan can flip that — and the kids notice who did it.
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Know more than I do?
If you've figured out a better way, I'd love to hear it. Best tips become the next TopTip (with credit, of course).
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