The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) is mulling several measures to address a resurgence in the popularity of polystyrene cups in tea houses.

Ho Shun-chin (��ϵ^), director of EPA's Department of Waste Management, discussed the measures amid reports that the renewed trend of polystyrene cup use in some chain tea houses poses a threat to the environment.

She said measures under consideration to cut down on use of the cups include one that would offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups.

However, there is no law to force business operators to do so and whether the measure would be effective would rely on the cooperation of operators, she said, adding that Starbucks offers discounts to customers who bring their own cups and has received a positive response for doing so.

Brewing harmony in a teacup

RIGA - “We want Latvian people to understand that tea is more than hot water, we want them to understand the world of tea," said Ilze Konovalova of downtown Riga's newly opened Chado tea house. Konovalova is clearly passionate about tea. When anyone shows an interest, she will rifle through the massive selection, pointing out the different varieties and occasionally lifting a particularly aromatic tea out of the bunch for people to sniff. Her narratives about tea always come back to her personal favorite, oolong milk. Her eyes light up as she talks about how each time the unique tea is brewed, the flavor subtly changes. The Chado tea house, which is now in its third month of existence, is hoping to set up a tea culture similar to the wine culture that exists in France, she explained. One look at the interior will show just how far Chado goes to achieve that goal.