A good reusable tumbler is a great way to level-up your sustainable practices and help save paper cups that end up in landfills around the world. These durable, stylish bottles are easy to clean and keep beverages at the proper temperatures, which is why they’re a must-have for coffee lovers, tea enthusiasts and more. In addition to keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours at a time, these cups and tumblers also look great in your hand and reflect your style and personality.
For the past few months, a particular reusable cup has been inundating the hands and social media feeds of the well-hydrated: The Adventure Quencher travel tumbler by Stanley, a 109-year-old company that makes camping gear and outdoor accessories. The tumbler, which costs $40 and comes in 11 colors, has become the vessel of choice for many millennial and Gen Z women—and the influencers who promote them. Its sudden popularity may seem organic, but the phenomenon is the result of a series of canny business decisions by Stanley and savvy influencers.
The tumblers are sold through a variety of affiliate marketing channels, including Instagram and the online retailer The Buy Guide, which uses the tumblers to highlight other products and receive a cut of sales. They have quickly become the drinkware of choice for a large number of female influencers—many of whom are young mothers. The product’s popularity has helped it become the best-selling item on Stanley’s website and, according to the founders, has brought the brand a new generation of customers.
It can be hard to break a habit, especially one as simple as ordering a to-go beverage in a disposable cup. But changing this one small thing can have a major impact on the environment. And as a bonus, using a reusable cup can even save you money.
There are a wide variety of reusable tumblers and mugs available to choose from, which can be confusing when deciding what to buy. Our experts have rounded up some of their favorite options to help you choose the right one for your coffee habits and aesthetic preferences.
All first-year students on a Cal Poly meal plan will receive one free reusable tumbler with their dining card, which can be loaded with five beverage fills utilizing dining dollars. Additional reusable tumblers can be purchased and preloaded with refills utilizing your dining dollars at Campus Market, Market Poly Canyon, UU Market Vista Grande or Market PCV.
All of the reusable tumblers featured in this article have temperature retention for at least an hour or more and are BPA-free. They have also been tested and approved by the Sustainability Office to ensure they meet our standards for environmental sustainability. They are all dishwasher safe. However, it is recommended that you wash your reusable tumbler by hand to reduce the amount of energy it uses. Washing by hand can take up to 90 percent less energy than machine washing with hot water.