Tumbler trend: Style, health, and environment in harmony

KUALA LUMPUR - Shifting from conventional plastic tumblers that take years to decompose, an increasing number of people, particularly young adults, are now opting for eco-friendly alternatives.

These tumblers have evolved beyond being mere drink containers; they now represent a health-conscious and creative lifestyle.

With a sleek, cylindrical design and secure lid, stainless steel tumblers that keep drinks hot or cold are growing in popularity, with many brands prominently showcased on social media.

Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment Dr Mohd Yusoff Ishak views this trend - reignited by social media influence - as a positive step towards environmental conservation by indirectly reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles.

"While there’s no concrete research or data yet, I’m confident that reducing single-use plastics has a significant impact," he said.

"What’s important about this trend and culture is the growing public awareness of their role in environmental protection,” he told Bernama.

Yusoff hopes the popularity of tumblers, which has encouraged people to bring their own drink containers, will also extend to food containers with similar reusable features.

He also urged users to balance the desire to own these items with a strong awareness on environmental issues, which is key to ensuring that this trend remains beneficial and responsible.

"While owning an attractive tumbler can be gratifying, users must realise that the primary goal is to reduce plastic waste, rather than merely treating it as a fashion accessory. Collect wisely and remember that every small choice we make has a significant impact on the Earth,” said the environmental expert.

A psychologist and Senior Lecturer of the Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Programme at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Assoc Prof Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali, believes that using trendy drink containers also provides personal satisfaction in today’s modern lifestyle.

"It’s not just about following a trend. Owning a unique tumbler provides satisfaction in terms of style, bringing joy and contentment when individuals acquire something they desire, while also promoting health preservation,” he said.

According to Shazli Ezzat, the practice of bringing one’s own tumbler is not a new trend, as popular coffee shops had previously marketed such drink containers, even offering various discounts.

"For instance, in the past, entering an upscale coffee shop often conferred a sense of social status, as not everyone could afford to buy drinks there. Holding that tumbler could boost one’s self-confidence, almost as if it elevated their social status-a situation similar to newly popular brands,” he said.

However, he hopes that this culture does not bring negative elements into society, such as for those who become overly obsessed with owning these items to the point it disrupts their lives.

"It can become problematic if someone becomes overly fixated on collecting, to the extent that it impacts their finances or leads to accumulating so many items that storage space becomes an issue,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, tumbler user and collector Amerul Izuan Alias, 23, admitted he likes cute and aesthetically pleasing tumbler designs, but buys them within his financial means.

"I used to collect tumblers from branded coffee shops, but now I’m exploring other brands because I’m drawn to their more reasonable prices. So, I tried buying one for comparison,” said Amerul, who uses his tumbler to carry plain water and stay hydrated. - BERNAMA