BYOB? How about BYOM instead?

Sustainable Bainbridge’s Zero Waste is launching a waste reduction campaign called BYOM (Bring Your Own to-go Mug) in honor of Earth Day.

The educational effort, which is being assisted by Buy Nothing Bainbridge, is aimed at encouraging coffee drinkers to bring their own to-go mugs when they visit coffee shops on the island.

The campaign hopes to help lessen the amount of trash generated by disposable cups, and clings with the “BYOM” message will be posted at coffee places around the island starting Tuesday, April 1.

According to Sustainable Bainbridge, while some folks habitually bring their own to-go mugs, many might not know that they can, or they just need a little reminding. Officials with the nonprofit note that an avid coffee drinker can create 23 pounds of garbage in a year in coffee cups, lids and cozies alone.

Unfortunately, there’s more: According to an April 2000 study conducted by Starbucks and the Alliance for the Environmental Innovation, each paper cup manufactured is responsible for 0.24 pounds of CO2 emissions.

The BYOM graphic will be displayed in coffee house windows throughout April on Bainbridge.

Participating coffee houses that are showing their support for waste reduction include Bainbridge Bakers, Blackbird Bakery, Pegasus, Roosters, Rollingbay Café, Commuter Comforts, Town & Country Espresso Shop and Boathouse Coffee.

Other restaurants or stores that want to join in the effort can contact info@sustainablebainbridge.org.

Sustainable Bainbridge will put up an Earth Day display at the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market on Saturday, April 19 and show what 23 pounds of cup garbage looks like, and will also hand out a free reusable cup from Buy Nothing Bainbridge while supplies last.

Sustainable Bainbridge serves as an incubator for new initiatives on sustainability issues, including Bainbridge Community Broadcasting, Positive Energy, Prepared Neighborhoods, Sound Food, Building a Sustainable Economy lectures at the library and many more.

For more information, visit http://www.sustainablebainbridge.org.