We’ve all heard of the dangers of plastic, and maybe feel a little twinge of guilt every time we give our kids a plastic cup. They’re just so darn convenient (and yes, we still have some in our cabinets… I couldn’t justify filling the landfills because of my soap-box). But maybe you’re not so sure what to use instead of plastic cups, and worry it won’t be as convenient. (This post contains affiliate links.)
Let me share a solution I’ve found that works great. First, a little back story:
I was totally busted by my husband a few months ago. I had just published a post I was very proud of about simplifying, streamlining, and greenifying (not a word, I know) our kids dishes – The Best Alternative to Plastic Kids Dishes. We banned the plastic and switched to these amazing silicone plates and bowls, and haven’t turned back since.
Soon after I wrote about the horrors of plastic kids-ware, I was doing some shopping (but it wasn’t at Target so I figured I was safe) and let my daughter talk me into buying her another cute plastic drink tumbler. They’re perfect because they’re not sippy cups which she’s a little old for, but they’re not an open container which just begs to be spilled.
I got home and my husband gasped in horror. “You bought a plastic cup after that post you wrote about our plates?!” I gasped in amazement. “You read a post from my blog?!” I hadn’t seen that one coming. Ever since then, I knew I had to do something about the cabinet full of plastic tumblers.
What to Use Instead of Plastic Cups and Tumblers
I looked around on Etsy and Amazon, but nothing was jumping out at me. My mom had given us these stainless steel straws for Christmas, and I got inspired. We have a ton of mason jars hanging around our house (who doesn’t these days), and I figured all I needed now were some lids with straw holes.
It seemed easy enough to make them myself. So I found some silicone grommets, but we didn’t have any one piece lids. I was going to have to buy those as well. This DIY project was starting to get pricier and pricier.
Then I found these GREAT straw lids with fun designs on them, for just a teeny bit more than it would cost to make them myself. There were others that ended up being less than making them myself, but I’m a sucker for a fun design. The time saved (and tracking down where our drill was that day) was definitely worth it.
If you are worried about kids and glass, there are a ton of silicone mason jar covers that would make them much safer.
How to Make a Mason Jar Straw Lid
If you DO WANT to make them yourself, however, it’s super easy. Here is how you do it:
First you need a drill with a 3/8″ bit, and your lid.
Then you drill the hole (that is my husband drilling only because I wanted to take the picture… I have control issues… anyone can do this).
Then you take the grommet.
And just nestle it in the hole.
Or you buy some that are already done.
Grab your stainless straws.
And enjoy the fruits of your labor. I drink my smoothie from it every day now.
And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can get oil-based Sharpies and personalize the cups.
All in all, it’s a quick and easy way to get rid of one more plastic items in your household.
Any suggestions for what we should do next?
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