#plasticfreejuly Day 4 & 5

Day 4 was Fourth of July, so I hope you had a lovely holiday with family and friends. Our previous tradition was to visit Sea Turtle Inc., but this time we decide to stay home. We spent the day swimming and had pizza for dinner. One of my favorite pictures from the day:

Day 5: Reusable Cups

I feel like reusable cups are in the same category as reusable bags. They are usually the first step people take in reducing their plastic pollution. Most coffee shops are more than happy to use your own cup. We've even taken them to Target when we feel like having a slush. 

Today Ollie wanted to stop at Starbucks and we brought our own cups! If you bring your own cup to Starbucks you get a 10 cent discount. It doesn't even have to be a Starbucks brand cup it can be ANY cup! The small cup is from the 2011 holiday collection. Yup, I have had it that long! The best part is that I also have the original straw and it changes color with the cold drink. 💚

I've watched a million and one zero waste videos and everyone and their mother carries a mason jar. That's just not practical for us. For one I have a toddler and don't want to deal with broken glass. I've tried almost every style of cups there is and here's a quick pro/con and my favorite way to use them.

Mason Jars: Like I said not great for on the go; but I do love them for at home drinks. However, they do 'sweat' condensation if you have iced drinks in them. That really irks me! I loove coasters.

Yeti/RTIC/Ozark Trail/etc.: I find these to be really big and bulky; so not ideal for carrying in a purse or backpack. Also, most of those lids just have the drinking hole and no additional closure. I keep these at home and at the office for water and teas.

Swell/Hydroflask/Waterbottles: I love these for water and just water. I can toss them in my bag filled or empty and not worry about spilling or leaks. Everyone in my household has their own and they're perfect for when we go out on our bikes.

Which do I prefer to travel with? 

When I travel I usually have either by stainless steel mermaid thermos or the cheapy plastic reusable. 

My favorite when I fly: I can get hot or cold drinks and it fits a straw through the drink hole. The lid has a very secure seal which is a must when I fly. I hate juggling my belongings as I get seated. So what I do is I slip my cup in the pocket of the seat and then sort my luggage and buckle up. I forgot it one time and let's just say that was not one of my best trips. 

My favorite for land travel: When I drive I like having my cup readily available. I hate having to mess with lids or flip caps. I can easy drink and drive (coffee of course!). It can easily accommodate hot or cold drinks as well.