"Act now!" mugs replace paper cups at UNOG

On 23 January 2012, the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) launched a new initiative which is a further step in our efforts towards "Greening the UN". Specially designed coffee mugs with the "Act now!" logo were made available for sale at cost in all cafes and restaurants of the Palais des Nations and its annexes.

Personnel can now be served a hot beverage in the "Act now!" mug, which can be taken away, in exchange for a previously used "Act now!" mug. This will considerably reduce the consumption of disposable cups and the volume of waste.

The mugs can also be used in the hot drinks vending machines that are installed throughout the premises.

The beauty of the mugs project is its great visibility. The nicely designed porcelain mugs with the blue UN logo inside will surely perk the interest of the many visitors and delegates who flock in great numbers to the Palais des Nations every year. Staff members, delegates and visitors are in this way reminded of the many “Greening the United Nations” initiatives being undertaken.

This initiative originated from discussions within the Catering Committee of UNOG in 2010. The Committee is composed of four members appointed by the Administration and four members nominated by the Staff Coordinating Council. The role of the Committee is to provide advice on all questions related to catering activities at the Palais des Nations and its annexes. In this regard, it regularly discusses and reviews proposals related to environmental issues, which can be implemented in close cooperation with the selected catering company.

The mugs project picked up momentum during 2011. After various discussions, it was decided to use the logo “Act now / Agissez” that was developed after the celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June 2010. On this day, the Ariana Park was opened to the public and a multitude of activities designed to mark the International Year of Biodiversity 2010 including offering guided tours of the park. The day was a huge success and the “Act now / Agissez” slogan was designed to remind each of us that our daily individual acts have an impact on the environment and that we can decide to reduce our impact by changing our behaviour. Other initiatives will follow. UNOG staff are continuously encouraged to submit their proposals.

UNOG would be pleased to share its experience of the mugs project with other UN offices, funds and programmes.