Flatter Yourself

Pop-up cup springy, sproingy

By ISABELLE DAVIS

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Straight out of the package, this looks like one of those containers my mom put Cheerios in when I was a toddler. But with a simple twist, the bright red plastic disc turns into an eco-friendly mini-tumbler. The bottom of the cup sits in the hard lower part and sort of grows out of the base, creating an easy-to-grip glass with a hard rim (great for spillers). It definitely has a rubber-plastic whiff to it initially, but that should be no problem since this 12-ounce travel companion is dishwasher-safe—you also have to wash it in hot water before use to "activate the cup's spring memory" and help dissipate the smell.

The product's website has a super fun video showing how the magic of the cup works, and it works plenty hard, holding both hot and cold beverages, and withstanding the freezer and microwave. It's also made from easily recyclable plastics ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, the same stuff in LEGOs) and certified food-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), which means it's a hiker's dream: durable, convenient and environmentally sound. Plus, it comes in your choice of red (my favorite) or blue.

Besides one minor con (bevs can taste a bit plasticky if left in the cup too long), this lightweight companion is pretty genius. And even though I don't camp, hike or do anything healthy in the wild, I am contemplating bringing this to parties. I might as well reduce, reuse and recycle while I sip my brew.

[Available for $12/pair at UncommonGoods, uncommongoods.com, flatterware.com]