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84% wanted coffee shops to do more to ensure their cups were recyclable

Environmental protection has been identified as a major influencer of repeat business for coffee shop chains in new polling by YouGov for the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

The nationally-representative survey of 1,138 adults at the end of last year further indicates the huge impact Blue Planet II has had on focusing minds on the scourge of plastic waste that afflicts the oceans and marine life.

The survey found that 49% would be more likely to visit coffee shop chains that introduced policies such as latte levies and plastic bottle deposit schemes.

It also found that 43% would be more likely to visit chains that reinvested a portion of their profits in environmental charities.

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The findings come after the huge success of the 5p plastic bag levy which has raised millions of pounds for charities.

Eighty-four per cent said they wanted retailers and coffee shops to do more to ensure their cups were recyclable or biodegradable.

“These findings follow on from similar research that we conducted in June. On both occasions, the data points to people wanting retailers and coffee shops to continue with environmentally-friendly policies, such as latte levies and plastic bottle deposit schemes,” said CAF head of research Susan Pinkney.

“The success of schemes such as the 5p plastic bag levy - which we at CAF have used to distribute millions of pounds to good causes around the country - shows that many Britons are ready and willing to support new ways to protect the environment.”

CAF said the findings were consistent across all regions with young people and women especially supportive.