The benefits of using a reusable cup in Windsor Great Park
Published by
Windsor Great Park
Jul 15 2025
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Supporting the environment and your bank balance
Every year, nearly 156,000 single-use cups are used in our catering outlets across the Windsor Estate.
That’s an average of 427 cups used every day, each one generating carbon that impacts the environment, and harming habitats and wildlife if left to litter Windsor Great Park.
The importance of reusable cups
Windsor Estate is internationally recognised for its biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation efforts. To preserve this precious landscape and the habitats we care for, we need your support in using reusable cups when you visit.
We’re proud that 100% of the waste generated by visitors is either recycled or converted into electricity.
However, if we could reduce waste that would greatly minimise the environmental impact.
The benefits for the environment
According to Zero Waste Scotland, a single paper cup is responsible for between 10g CO2 to 30g CO2 during its lifecycle. That incorporates all the energy used to make, transport and dispose of the single-use cup.
That means that the 156,000 single-use cups discarded annually in Windsor Great Park are responsible for at least 1.5 tonnes of CO2 a year. That’s more than double the carbon emissions generated to supply the average UK household’s electricity usage for a year.
Switching to a reusable cup can significantly reduce this carbon footprint. Not only that but switching to a reusable cup also reduces waste and pollution.
Zero Waste Scotland suggests that between 10 to 41 uses of a reusable cup will cover the carbon generated in its lifetime. Though a reusable cup doesn’t last forever, research suggests that over its lifetime, using a reusable cup would save 10.3kg of CO2.
Benefits for your bank balance
Using a reusable cup isn’t just environmentally friendly; it’s also cost-effective:
- Receive a free hot or ice drink when purchasing a reusable cup
- Save 50p on any hot or ice drink when using a reusable cup at any of our catering outlets. With a macchiato priced at £2.50, it only takes five purchases to save enough for a sixth
- Don’t forget to also pick up a loyalty card for our catering outlets for even more benefits. Our two catering partners, Benugo and Casa Caffé both offer a loyalty scheme valid only at the outlets listed below. Coming soon is a third loyalty card scheme for the Windsor Farm Shop Café.
- Benugo: The Potting Shed at The Savill Garden Visitor Centre
- Casa Caffé: Virginia Water Lake, Obelisk Lawn, Blacknest Gate, The Totem Pole, The Valley Gardens
Become a Member and receive a free reusable cup*
Windsor Great Park is home to world-class gardens, stunning vistas and over 1,000 years of Royal heritage.
As a Member, you have access to this expanse of nature and the outdoors, providing untold benefits for our health and wellbeing.
In addition to free parking, discounts in our Gift Shops, and unlimited entry to The Savill Garden, your support allows us to protect Windsor Great Park, and its wildlife and habitats for future generations to enjoy.
*This offer is only valid for new Friends and Members and is not applicable for renewals. Individual Members and Friends receive one reusable cup, while Joint Friends and Members receive two reusable cups.
Windsor Great Park reusable cups
Any reusable cup benefits the environment with repeated use.
Our UK-made Windsor Great Park reusable cups are 75% made from recycled materials, including recycled plastic that’s free from BPA.
No cup lasts forever. These will last on average for 8 to 10 years and can be completely recycled at the end of their lifetime.
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