Is there such a thing as eco-friendly disposable cups?

Good question! When organizing events, we were faced with the issue of what kind of cups to use a couple of years ago and decided to go with compostable cups because production/ingredients are better and we had access to a composting facility. If you don't have access to a facility, the cups will end up in the landfill as any other trash.

Reusable cups will always be the best option.

For disposable, there are a few greener options to consider. Let me list some of the pros/cons of these options to help you make a decision:

1. #6 Plastic Cups

Pros: Low cost; can be recycled through Terracycle; light; no leaks; people are used to them; easy to
find/buy

Cons: Support single-use plastic industry; contribute to the fossil fuel industry; manufacturing not a clean process; users exposed to plastic chemical; break down into small plastic pieces if not properly disposed

2. Compostable

Pros: Made from compostable ingredients (sugarcane bagasse; corn starch etc); support green industry; degrade faster and naturally (in industrial composting environment) 
Cons: More expensive than regular plastic; a bit of research involved in picking the best option/vendor; without an industrial composting facility, they will have to go to the landfill; break down into small plastic pieces if not properly disposed

• concepts good to review: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/454/biodegradable-degradable-and-compostable-whats-the-difference.html

• http://www.vieravoice.com/Senior-Life/September-2017/Is-plant-based-plastic-the-answer-to-the-worlds-plastic-problem/

• bio-based plastic is still plastic (bio-based plastic made from renewable raw materials such as corn-based resin): https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/11/are-bioplastics-made-from-plants-better-for-environment-ocean-plastic/ - “If PLA [bioplastic] does leak out, it also will not biodegrade in the ocean,” says Jambeck. “It's really not any different from those industrial polymers. It can be composted in an industrial facility, but if the town doesn't have one, then it's not any different.”

3. Recycled plastic

Pros: Normally cheaper than compostable option; support recycling industry; are made from up to 30%
recycled plastic

Cons: Also supports single-use plastic industry; contributes to the fossil fuel industry; manufacturing not a clean process; users exposed to plastic chemical; go to the landfill; break down into small plastic pieces if not properly dispose 

4. Paper (from responsible sources/renewable material)

Pros: Reasonable price; support green industry; some are 100% made from bamboo or renewable

sources

Cons: More expensive than regular plastic cups; go to the landfill; production is resource-use intensive; might leak; use plastic coat

• the meaning of responsible source: https://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/look-label-sfi-logo-sign-sustainable-forestry.html

• paper cups not recyclable in Brevard: https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/drinks/tea-and-coffee/articles/are-takeaway-coffee-cups-recyclable

• bamboo disposable uses PLA too: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Disposable-bamboo-double-PLA-cup-double_62103998890.html?spm=a2700.7724857.normalList.24.131348a0JgOo6Z&s=p

• https://practicallyfine.com/what-is-all-the-hype-about-bamboo-coffee-cups/

In sum: if it is disposable, it's not eco-friendly - it will become waste a few minutes after being used.

But if you are really going for disposable, your pick will most probably depend on your budget and who you want to support. As you can see from the list above, most of the disposable cups will end up going to the landfill...