A Cup for Change

A Cup for Change is a student-led experiential PR campaign developed in response to SETU’s challenge to reduce reliance on disposable coffee cups and make reusable cups a normal part of campus life. The campaign focuses on encouraging the SETU community, particularly students, to move from awareness to action by ‘dumping their last disposable cup’ and make a change by swapping their disposable cup for a reusable cup.

On 25 November 2026, students will deliver an interactive pop-up event, called Keepers Café, engaging students and staff through a series of creative activities focused on disposable cups, waste and reuse. The pop-up Café will host activities such as: ‘Mug’ Shots (photo props), a waste-statistics spin-the-wheel competition, a giant coffee cup where participants can dump their last disposable cup, a scavenger hunt, a recycle/compost station and much more.

The campaign aims to make the issue visible, memorable and engaging, while encouraging people to reflect on their everyday cup choices and consider switching to reusable cups. Students have also worked with stakeholders across SETU to build support and collaboration for the event. 

The project directly supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, with its focus on waste prevention and reuse, while demonstrating how creative communication and partnership working can encourage a change in attitudes leading to positive behaviour change within the SETU community. 

Event Location: South East Technological University (Waterford, Cork Road Campus), Main Atrium/Reception Area (X91 K0EK).

Follow us on Instagram & TikTok @ #cupforchange #keeperscafe #swapyourcup to check out our campaign as it unfolds.