Bamboo reusable cup vs Glass reusable cup – which is best?

You are trying to become eco-friendlier, veering away from plastics and other environmentally harmful materials. Good for you – but which reusable coffee cup should you choose. In this article we go head to head – bamboo reusable cup vs glass reusable cup.

If you are sick of throwing away cups daily after your morning routine, you may be looking for reusable options. The great news is, tons of companies are really catching on to the environmental need for less trash and are producing products accordingly!

I’m sure you are quite familiar with glass cups. They have been used for a very long time. What may be a little more foreign to you, however, are bamboo cups. Bamboo cups are making their way into popularity for several great reasons.

In terms of buying a reusable coffee mug though, you may want to learn more before deciding. It’s awesome to be educated! So, what exactly is a bamboo reusable cup? How does a bamboo cup differ from a glass reusable cup?

Let’s take a little peek into the details.

Bamboo Reusable Cups

Bamboo is a wonderfully resilient plant. It’s very plentiful, sustainable, and it can be grown without the use of pesticides. Bamboo grows very quickly. Once the plant is harvested, it can produce another growth from the cut stem, making each plant produce multiple times. Because it is a plant, it also makes this product biodegradable.

Bamboo is composited from the bamboo plant, cornstarch, and resin. Most companies take non-GMO cornstarch and resin to mix with the bamboo. The resin provides an extremely durable coating to the cup, making it difficult to break.

If you are looking for a reusable design that is extremely durable and biodegradable, a bamboo reusable mug may be a great fit for what you are looking for!

Glass Reusable Cups

Glass material is no stranger to the drinking world. It has been used for thousands of years. As you may be well-aware, glass typically only suffers one thing- breakability.

The good news here is that over the years, trial and error has paid off in this design. Glass reusable mugs are much more durable than they used to be. This means your mug can take a pretty hefty fall and live to tell more tales.

Differences Between the Two

So, let’s talk the bamboo reusable cup vs glass reusable cup. Your first question may be, which one will last longer? It’s a fair question! The answer to that varies because it does depend on many factors.

1. Proper Care. First and foremost, it will depend on how the cup itself is treated. Most bamboo cups on the market come with a warning to avoid microwaving on the bottom of the cup but are widely dishwasher safe. So, if you go against the grain and microwave anyway, this can seriously deplete the life of your cup.
   
   Depending on materials, some glass cups cannot be used in a dishwasher or microwave. It is always best to check before purchase on how to care for your cups.
   
2. Durability. We are all a little clumsy sometimes. When it comes to durability, bamboo cups tend to have a flimsier feel than glass cups. This would be expected as bamboo cups are plant-based and naturally less dense than glass.
   
   On another note, when glass breaks, we all know that dreaded feeling! You just hope you don’t slice your hand when picking up the pieces.
   
3. Biodegradability. Most bamboo cups are biodegradable, research has shown that these cups will return to the earth within one year. This is very impressive and great news if you are trying to do the planet a favour.
   
   When it comes to glass, glass is not considered biodegradable, meaning it will not breakdown over time.
   
4. Product Materials. When it comes to glass, it’s mostly a what-you-see-is-what-you-get situation. However, it is best to research additives to the cup such as lid materials, sleeve materials and other components used with the product. You want to be sure you are thinking green all the way around.
   
   This is also similarly true with bamboo cups. While most are created with natural resources, each company is different. You will want to research the materials used to make the specific cup so you know they aren’t sneaking in any harmful chemicals you may be unaware of.
   
5. Cost. Another factor to consider is affordability. With glass, things can get a bit pricy. You can pay as much as you want to but they roughly range from £10-£60 depending on size and brand.
   
   Bamboo cups are typically cheaper ranging from £8-£25 depending on size and brand but you can of course, pay much more as well.

Conclusion

A major lure for the bamboo reusable mugs is the biodegradability factor. When considering the yearly amount of one-billion takeaway coffee cups going into a landfill yearly, this can be quite concerning.

Takeaway cups can take over 50 years to return to the earth. You do the maths—the numbers are astonishing.

When considering what is the best option, the sensible thing to do is consider your motive.

If you want to purchase a reusable mug to underpin your desire to become more sustainable, opting for a bamboo cup is the best option for you.

Doing your part is a noble thing. Making small changes to your life can improve our planet one step at a time. One thing is for certain if you choose a bamboo coffee mug, the planet will thank you for your contribution.