Ushering in the new year, the Class of 2026 is distributing this week free sustainable cups for students. Class President Morgan Rapsky explained they purchased 200 plant-based cups from Custom Earth Promos, a website that specializes in eco-friendly products. 

“The cups can hold hot and cold beverages, but they cannot be microwaved and they must be hand washed,” Rapsky said. 

She also said that Café Rachel will now give people the option to have a beverage order filled in the reusable cups. The inspiration for the cups came from a desire to connect the class project to Chatham’s commitment to sustainability.

“We felt that the other class projects were representing women’s values, and we wanted to create a sustainable project that everyone can enjoy,” she said. 

On Monday, Jan. 23, the first 40 students to buy a featured coffee from Café Rachel received a  sustainable cup. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, the first 40 students to attend Parkhurst’s pop-up event at 11:30 a.m. in the Carriage House will receive it. 

More cups will be distributed at future events. The Class of 2026 plans to continue to expand upon its sustainability theme in future class projects.

“Sustainability aligns with our moral values, and we want to continue promoting it on campus with reusable cups and more accessible greenware in the future,” Rapsky said.