What is the ecological impact of avoiding disposable cups at trade fairs or festivals? Students explored this question using the example of an eleven-day large-scale event attended by approximately 120,000 visitors.
Resource savings through reusable cups
The results of their project are impressive: switching from disposable to reusable cups could save between 170,000 and 220,000 cups—equivalent to around 5,000 litres of crude oil—and reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 90 per cent. “Large-scale events hold significant potential for conserving resources and contributing to climate protection. This project clearly demonstrates how impactful even single, well-planned measures can be”, explains Programme Director Karl Michael Höfer, who carried out the calculations with the students.
The collaboration with Krems-based waste management company Brantner is a strong example of how students can gain valuable experience by tackling real-world challenges—and how applied science can have tangible effects in a regional context.