Volley # 17

Volley # 17: STYRO-PHOBIA

I have it—the fear and dread of Styrofoam. The cups bend and break. They are so light, they tip and spill almost all by themselves. They make me cringe if they touch my teeth. On top of that, we’re told they last forever in landfills.

As an alternative, cardboard disposable cups are just not satisfactory, despite being more renewable. They do nothing to shield the hand from the heat of the contents. And, of course, they go to the landfill. In places with no dishwashers, those Solo cups—plastic holders with disposable plastic inserts, might be a reasonable choice. At least part is re-usable.

For most, though, surely there is no improving on the traditional china or ceramic cup or mug. The church cabinets are full of them. Why not use them?

With a few words of kindly direction, people can be trained to put their mug into the dishwasher before they depart. I’ve observed that guests catch on instantly, and they like to follow suit—it makes them feel more accepted and at home.

And let the squeak of Styrofoam never more be heard in the land.