It’s clear that single-use paper cups can have a negative impact on the environment, especially if they end up in landfill. Even compostable options require very specific conditions, which aren’t always readily available. Simply Cups is collecting and recycling a lot of single-use cups - but if you are looking to upgrade, these tips will help you choose the right reusable cup for you.
Choose the right material
The type of material a reusable cup is made of can affect the functionality, weight and durability of the cup. In addition to that, it greatly affects the way it looks and can be a personal preference for different users. Here’s some of the common materials and their characteristics:
Stainless steel: Durable, keeps drinks hot or cold for longer.
Glass: Doesn't affect the taste of your drink, but it can be fragile.
Bamboo or repurposed coffee husk: Lighter and often more affordable but may not have the same longevity as metal or glass.
Silicone: Flexible and easy to carry, but not the best at insulating temperature.
Reusable cups are great as they can be reused time and time again, however one other consideration you may have been how it is disposed of at end of life. This might depend on the material, but also contacting the brand can also give you guidance on material recyclability.
Consider portability
It is also important to consider how portable you need the cup to be. A cup that is too big or too wide might not be able to fit in your cup holder or bag. You may opt for a narrower and taller cup if you require a bigger capacity cup that can fit in cup holders.
Think about insulation
Think about how long you expect to enjoy your drinks. Double-walled insulation keeps your drinks at the right temperature longer, so it's ideal for both hot and cold beverages. If insulation is less of a concern for you, a single-wall design might be more compact and lightweight.
Evaluate lid design
The lid plays an important role on whether a coffee cup fits your lifestyle or meets your needs. Do you need it to be spill proof? If so, you’ll need a lid with a good seal or a no spill screw on top. If you don’t plan on commuting far with it, perhaps a cup with a simple sipper lid will function well enough for you.
Another key consideration of the lid design is how easy it is to clean it. Often lids with slider components can have coffee get into hard to clean areas. Lids with seals as well might require you to remove the seals to clean underneath them.
Consider ease of cleaning
You may want to consider if your cup is dishwasher-safe, especially if you plan to clean it frequently with one. In general, cups with fewer parts (e.g., no removable silicone seals or complex straws) are generally easier to clean.
Weigh cost and durability
While there are many affordable reusable cups, investing in a higher quality one could save you money in the long run since it'll last longer and perform better. You could do some research on the brand before you buy it to see if there have been any feedback on the durability before purchasing. You can also consider if they offer spare /replacement parts in case any components break.
Switching to a reusable cup is a simple yet impactful choice for reducing waste and making a positive difference.
With so many options available, taking the time to choose the right one will make your reusable cup a go-to companion for years to come.