Be sexy.

This year, the Young Democrats at the University of Washington (YDUW) introduced a new campaign called Sustainability is Sexy, bringing a new angle to the environmentally conscious conservation.

The campaign's focus is on the use of reusable coffee cups, replacing the non-recyclable paper cups used every day.

"The UW alone throws away 5,000 coffee cups a day," according to the YDUW press release.

With Sustainability is Sexy, students can bring their reusable cups to any coffee shop on campus and get drip coffee for only $1.

In addition to the drip coffee discounts, a 10-cent discount will be given for espresso drinks.

"They will fill up any size for only $1 ... you can even bring your Nalgene in," said Nicholas Fusso, co-organizer of the project.

The campaign launched Monday and has received remarkable feedback and support thus far.

"It has attracted a lot of customers," said Ragina Schulz, junior and barista at the Atrium in the HUB.

The project involves several campus groups.

"We have joined up with many groups on campus," said Elliot Helmbrecht, co-organizer of the project. "Everyone we talk to is in support of this program.

YDUW is also offering a line of Sustainability is Sexy gear to go along with the campaign.

Shirts, bumper stickers and other paraphernalia will be available for sale to support the campaign.

The gear will be available at the YDUW meetings on Wednesday nights in Gowen 201 at 7 p.m.

"We want conservation to be cool," said Fusso. "I haven't met one person who hasn't been excited about the new campaign."

This campaign is meant to make people think about what they are doing, Helmbrecht said.

"After being involved with this effort, I can't even use a paper cup anymore without feeling guilty," he said.

In comparison to other conservation efforts, this one is different because it doesn't cost the students any money, Fusso said.

"People often think that they have to choose between what is good for the environment and what is good for their finances," he said. "We are trying to show that you can do both."

Their Sustainability is Sexy motto sums up the project well: "Drink responsibly, bring a coffee cup."

Reach reporter Celia Hunko at news@thedaily.washington.edu.

MORE ON THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS

Sustainability is Sexy t-shirts will be available for $9 (at cost) at YDUW meetings.

YDUW meetings

Wednesdays

Gowen 201

7 p.m.

College Republicans v. Young Democrats debate

Tonight

Gowen 201

7 p.m.

Topics are the war in Iraq and global warming