On Monday 2 June 2025, the League of Friends launched their new reusable cups scheme and stopped serving takeaway drinks in disposable cups at either of their popular coffee shops – the Main Entrance Coffee Shop and the Veterans' Coffee Shop – at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH).
The launch of the new cups has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. This change is part of a wider commitment to support RJAH’s efforts to become a more sustainable organisation and reduce single-use waste across the hospital site.
RJAH has set ambitious sustainability goals aimed at cutting plastic waste, reducing its environmental footprint, and promoting greener practices across all departments.
The League of Friends has a long history of supporting RJAH through fundraising, volunteering and providing much-loved services such as the coffee shops – and now, they’re making sure that support extends to the environment too.
Customers will now have three eco-friendly options when purchasing takeaway drinks. They can choose to rent a cup by paying a £2 deposit, which is fully refundable when the cup is returned. Alternatively, they can purchase a reusable pink cup for £5 or simply bring their own reusable cup from home – all reusable cups are welcome.
The initiative will eliminate the use of 40,000 takeaway cups annually.
Victoria Sugden, CEO of the League of Friends, said: “We are proud to be standing alongside RJAH in their commitment to sustainability.”
“We’ve been delighted by the reaction – the pink cups are flying off the shelves, and we’ve seen so many people getting behind the campaign.”
“It’s a simple switch that’s better for the planet, and we’re pleased patients, staff, volunteers and visitors have embraced it so brilliantly.”
Enthusiasm for the cups has sparked a fun and creative social media campaign, #TheLeagueofLittlePinkCups, with people being encouraged to snap a selfie with their pink cup on their travels around the globe.
Julia Morgan, Charity Manager, said: “We’re not ones to miss an opportunity to spread a little pink into the world! We’ve loved seeing everyone’s pictures – they’ve really brought the campaign to life. Whether it’s a selfie or a group shot, we’d love people to keep them coming.”
Already, photos have been sent in from across the UK and beyond, including the Lake District, Zakynthos, Jersey and South Africa.
Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive of RJAH, added: “Sustainability is one of our key priorities, and we are incredibly grateful to the League of Friends for supporting our vision.
“Their proactive approach to reducing waste is a brilliant example of how we can work together to create a greener future for our hospital and community.”
For further information, or to purchase your very own pink cup, please contact:
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