the Eco Cold Drink Cup

While perusing the internet for holiday gifts, (if you're like me, you find as much for yourself as you do for everyone else) I came across an insulated, reusable cup, called the Eco Cold Drink Cup. Though, I was on a site of random (fun) items and gag gifts, called PerpetualKid.com, I spotted this very functional item. It seemed to be just what I was looking for. Holds 16 oz. Keeps your drinks cold. Keeps you from using 'throw-away' cups. And it's BPA free.

As you can see, it also has fairly decent packaging; as in, no extra plastic or bubble packaging. The packaging states that it's 100% recycleable, and was made with 37% recycled content. Sure, no packaging would be ideal, but for shipping purposes, probably not really feasible.

The only downside that I've found is that this cup is made in China; something I try to avoid if possible. The company that sells/distributes it, just fyi, is Smart Planet, based in California. Explore their website at: http://www.smartplanethome.com/ Looks like they have loads of 'whimsical' and unique items that are far more environmentally friendly than throw away goods.

Are they perfect? No. But if having a unique and chic item, like a ceramic cup that looks like a red Solo cup, gets the average person to take one step in the right direction... I'll take it.

Personally, after just using the cup for two days, I've already saved the planet from at least three disposable cups. Every bit counts. I can only imagine how that will add up over the lifetime of the cup.

And most importantly, it worked. I put a cold drink in it, with just three ice cubes, at around 1pm. By 5pm, I could still see ice. No complaints here. And I must add, there was no plastic taste or smell, like I've noticed from some other cups on the market.

Do you have a reusable cup? How much do you think it saves you in drink-related trash?

PS: HUGE kudos to PerpetualKid.com for using potato starch packing peanuts instead of the environmental nightmare of styrofoam. These babies literally just dissolve away as soon as they hit water. LOVE!