Aldea // GaeaStar
An initiative to reduce paper & plastic waste.
Introducing GaeaStar
GaeaStar created a product designed to replace single-use paper and plastic products. They make sustainable, zero-waste, reusable clay cups and we are honored to partner with them to offer these as an alternative to our current to-go paper & plastic cups.
The idea of GaeaStar was conceived when their founder, Sanjeev, was traveling in his native India. The street vendors sell tea in handmade terracotta cups called ‘Kulhar.’ They are meant to be single-use cups. Sanjeev was inspired to combine this ancient practice with the technology of 3D printing.
The heart of the initiative
One of the most important words in our 33-word mission statement is Preserve. We use this as a center point while making decisions.
Together,
through all we craft,
we emphasize quality and value in every interaction.
We believe the Earth to be an inspiring place,
and we empower each other
to explore, enjoy, and preserve it.
Using data to identify the problem
From January 1, 2024, to September, our cafe locations have used 80,955 single-use to-go cups.
While we're incredibly grateful for the support of our community, we recognize the environmental impact of such high usage of to-go cups. Our goal is to see this number drastically decrease.
A solution
Beyond single use: GaeaStar's clay cups are designed to be used multiple times before they will inevitably break. Handwash, and reuse.
What to do with a broken cup: When the cup breaks, crush it up and throw it in your garden, or use to pot an orchid. The clay will disintegrate by mechanical force back into dust. Earth going back to Earth. Clay is a natural, inorganic compound, like rock, bone, seashell & does not need to compost or biodegrade as that process is naturally occurring.
Natural ingredients: GaeaStar clay cups are made from just clay, water, and salt.This is an elevated experience that goes back to the earth.
