Take a tumbler to the coffee stand
Bring your own snazzy cup to the espresso stand
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Starbucks’ 100 percent recycled plastic tumbler goes for $10.95 for a 16-ounce model. Its lid screws tightly shut and includes a 360-degree drink opening that twists shut, too.
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Bed, Bath & Beyond Copco’s tumbler ($7.99) imitates a 16-ounce throw-away espresso drink cup. It’s microwave safe and dishwasher safe.
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Vessel Drinkware’s Terra tumbler (center) is made of porcelain and includes a tight-fitting silicone lid.
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Vessel Drinkware Vessel Drinkware’s Terra tumbler ($17.99) is made of porcelain and includes a tight-fitting silicone lid.
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Vessel Drinkware Vessel Drinkware of Seattle makes a reusable acrylic tumbler called the Spirit ($15.99) exclusively for cold drinks. It’s lid and straw are also made of reusable acrylic.
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Vessel’s reusable acrylic tumbler called the Spirit (above and far left) is exclusively for cold drinks.
More than 58 billion paper coffee cups are thrown away every year in North America, according to TheBetacup.com, an international campaign to cut cup waste.
Cups suck up landfill space, plus manufacturing resources such as water, trees and fuel.
Fortunately, designers are producing an ever-improving array of travel tumblers that are eons ahead of the clunky travel mugs of yore.
Available in porcelain, acrylic, stainless steel and a variety of plastics, they’re prettier, easier to clean and usually fit into car cup holders.
Most baristas won’t blink if you hand them your own cup. They’ll just give it a rinse with hot water and prepare your drink.
In fact, many places, including Starbucks, will give you a 10-cent discount.
Try these hot new models on for size.
Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.
Copco mug ($7.99): It’s not a mug at all, but a plastic imitation of a throwaway 16-ounce espresso drink cup. It features double-wall insulation and a textured, nonslip sleeve that’s available in six colors.
It’s microwave safe and dishwasher safe. It’s also free of BPA, a controversial, estrogen-mimicking chemical known as bisphenol A.
Downside: Its quarter-turn, lid-sealing mechanism can be tricky to figure out at first.
Where: Bed Bath & Beyond; Amazon.com; most major retailers.
Spirit acrylic tumbler ($15.99): Iced coffee fans, you no longer have an excuse for not bringing your own cup.
Vessel Drinkware of Seattle, on the cutting edge with its artsy water bottle designs, also makes double-wall acrylic tumblers with matching reusable straws and lids for cold drinks. They hold 16 ounces and are BPA-free.
Downside: You can put them in the dishwasher, but their graphics might wear off.
Where: See www.shop vesseldrinkware.com or your local PCC or Central Market.
Terra porcelain tumbler ($17.99): Though this tumbler weighs nearly a pound when empty, it feels great in the hand, even with flaming hot drinks. It’s available in numerous whimsical designs and is microwave safe.
Its floppy black silicone lid creates a good seal.
Downside: You can put it in the dishwasher, but its graphics might wear off. Also, not everyone likes the feel of silicone on their lips. It holds 10 ounces, which is great for short drinks, but not standard for tall lattes.
Where: See www.shop vesseldrinkware.com or your local PCC or Central Market.
Recycled tumbler ($9.95 for the 12-ounce model): Starbucks offers a complete line of metal, ceramic and plastic travel tumblers. This one, available in a range of sizes, is made from 100 percent recycled, BPA-free plastic.
It’s double-walled to keep your drink warm and your hands protected.
Its lid screws tightly shut and includes a built-in 360-degree drink opening that twists open and shut too.
Downside: Dishwasher or microwave use are not recommended.
Where: See www.starbucks store.com or your nearest Starbucks.
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