Big, Stupid Cups: Why You Don’t Need a Stanley
It appears that every few years, a new sustainable water bottle becomes the talk of the town. Back in high school, Hydro Flasks were all the rage. Recently, it appears that the Stanley Cup has had the world in a chokehold. But as popular as they are, I've never been able to get behind the trend. Sure, I understand the appeal. A 40-ounce tumbler with a handle and a straw, designed to keep your iced beverages refreshingly cold for hours, provides a convenient solution to staying hydrated effortlessly throughout the day. But quite frankly, I’ve always found them big, stupid, and pointless, and here are a few reasons why.
Image Courtesy: stanley_brand Via Instagram
They're way too big
Its bulky design can make it cumbersome to carry around, especially when space is limited, such as in backpacks or smaller bags. This makes it less practical for everyday use. Additionally, the heaviness of the bottle when filled with water can worsen the problem, making it less desirable for tasks such as commuting or doing errands where convenience and portability are most important.
They leak
If you’re going to spend 45 dollars on a water bottle, wouldn't you want that water bottle to be sturdy and secure? Due to the giant size of the water bottle, Stanley cups can get in the way of a lot, making it easier for them to get knocked over. But due to the opening in the lid for the straw, they leak a lot. Even if your hands are full and you're holding your Stanley at a certain angle, you can expect water to come dripping out instantly.
They contain Lead
As per a statement posted on Stanley’s website, lead is incorporated into the product's vacuum insulation technology, essential for maintaining beverages at their optimal temperature. Even with the company behind Stanley tumblers, Pacific Market International (PMI) reassurance regarding the safety of the cups, it can still be disconcerting to realize that an item you use daily for drinking might contain lead.
They contribute to overconsumption
This is probably the number one reason I don’t like Stanley Cups. Honestly, this critique extends beyond this cup to other trendy cups such as Owala’s and Hydroflasks. I am a big believer in sustainability, and I 100% believe in a good quality, reusable cup. However, these water bottles have become a trend and are currently leading to overconsumption. The whole essence of reusable, sustainable cups is to reduce plastic waste, with the intention that they last for years. Yet, their trendiness has led many consumers to purchase numerous water bottles unnecessarily. For instance, when the limited Valentine's Day edition of Stanley cups hit the stores, you observed shoppers, some of whom already owned multiple Stanleys, eagerly lining up to buy them.
While Stanley water bottles are celebrated for their durability and insulation capabilities, there are important criticisms to think about. These problems show why it's important to carefully think about both the good and bad things about Stanley water bottles before buying them.
Strike Out,
Anjali Kamath
Boca Raton
Anjali Kamath is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When she’s not belting her heart out on karaoke she’s either at the yoga studio or spending all her money. She’s a textbook Aries and a Diet Coke enthusiast. You can reach her at anjalikamath460@gmail.com
