Superiority of Styrofoam Cups for College Life Explained

The Superiority of Styrofoam Cups for College Life

Styrofoam cups have gotten a bad rap over the years, but they remain a staple of college life for good reason. Lightweight, insulating, and cheap - styrofoam checks all the boxes for the quintessential college drinking vessel. Despite criticism from environmentalists, there's simply no better cup for surviving the rigors of dorm and Greek life. Here's why styrofoam cups continue to reign supreme on college campuses across America.

Keeping Drinks Hot or Cold

A true collegiate styrofoam cup acts like a miniature cooler, keeping cold drinks chilled and hot drinks steaming no matter where the party takes you. Styrofoam is an excellent insulator thanks to its air-filled cellular structure, which prevents heat transfer far better than single-ply paper or plastic cups. Once you pour an icy cold beer or steaming hot coffee into a styrofoam cup, the temperature will remain stable for hours.

Lightweight and Durable

Hauling around a case of beer or a six pack of hot coffee is tough enough without adding extra weight from heavy cups. Thanks to its airy foam construction, a styrofoam cup weighs next to nothing while still maintaining structural integrity. You can jam a styrofoam cup into a backpack or purse and it'll emerge unscathed. Plastic cups crack under pressure, paper cups soak through and rip. But trusty styrofoam cups can withstand the chaotic lifestyle of college students.

Budget-Friendly

Money is tight for most college kids, and styrofoam cups are highly affordable. You can buy a big sleeve of basic white styrofoam cups for just a few dollars at any grocery store or campus shop. Fancier printed cups with school logos or colors cost a bit more but remain cheaper than reusable plastic cups or tumblers. When cash is low and beers get spilled, cheap styrofoam cups are essential for parties and tailgates.

Customizable and Crafty

Part of the iconic collegiate appeal of styrofoam cups is how easy they are to customize and craft with. Using sharpies and paint pens, you can transform blank white cups into creative works of art for parties and events. Glitter, stickers, tape, and more can be used to make unique styrofoam cup designs. You can also cut and shape styrofoam cups for crafts like flower vases, pencil holders, and bowls for chips or candy.

College Traditions and Nostalgia

Beyond their practicality, styrofoam cups embody a sense of nostalgia for many college graduates. They're a memorable part of tailgates, formals, frat parties, homecomings, beer pong tournaments, and more college traditions. Styrofoam cups remind alumni of late nights chatting with friends over cheap drinks in their dorms or first apartments. Today's students continue bonding over that familiar feeling of shakily poured brews and scribbled-on cups.

Environmental Impact of Styrofoam

Despite their prevalence and advantages, environmental issues plague styrofoam cups. As expanded polystyrene foam, they are difficult to recycle and often get discarded as litter. Also, styrofoam is slow to photodegrade and often blows around as small pieces when littered.

Many colleges have enacted styrofoam bans to reduce campus waste, transitioning to paper or compostable cups. While this improves sustainability, most students feel it sacrifices performance and affordability. There is research into renewable materials that match styrofoam's insulating properties, but cost-effective options haven't hit the mainstream yet.

Reusable Alternatives

For the eco-conscious collegiate, reusable cups or tumblers are a greener option. Stainless steel vacuum tumblers keep drinks insulated just as well as styrofoam. Plastic reusable cups work for short-term use. And collapsible silicon cups offer portability. Personalized designs allow for self-expression. The main obstacle is remembering your reusable cup amidst the chaos of college life.

Sustainable Disposal

While many schools ban styrofoam, most college kids will encounter it at times. When using styrofoam cups, don't litter or toss them in the trash. Look for designated styrofoam recycling bins on campus or in your community. Some cities have ordinances requiring restaurants and caterers to recycle their styrofoam waste.

You can also mail clean styrofoam cups back to manufacturers like Dart Container Corporation for recycling. Terracycle offers free recycling programs for styrofoam funded by sponsorships. Taking these extra steps reduces the environmental impact of beloved college drinkware.

The College Experience with Styrofoam

Love them or hate them, styrofoam cups are firmly ingrained in college culture. Their versatility and affordability make them a campus staple, even as environmental concerns spark reductions. The nostalgia and tradition bonded over styrofoam drinkware persists.

For better or worse, styrofoam cups have defined a generation of college memories. The spills, stale beer, impromptu art, and late nights stacking empty cups will live on. Styrofoam cups certainly aren't saving the planet, but they've found a permanent place in collegiate life.

FAQs

Why are styrofoam cups so popular in college?

Styrofoam cups are lightweight, insulating, inexpensive, and easy to customize, making them ideal for college life. They keep drinks hot or cold for hours and can withstand being tossed in backpacks and taken to parties, games, etc. Styrofoam cups are a college staple.

How can styrofoam cups be more eco-friendly?

Don't litter styrofoam cups. Recycle them properly on campus or by mailing to recycling companies like Dart or Terracycle. Use reusable cups when possible. Support bans on non-recyclable foam takeout containers.

What are some alternatives to styrofoam cups?

Reusable plastic, stainless steel, or collapsible silicone cups. Paper cups made from recycled material. Compostable PLA plastic cups. Just remember to bring them with you and wash as needed.

Can styrofoam cups be recycled?

Yes, styrofoam can be recycled, but it requires special equipment not all facilities have. Check for campus foam recycling bins. Or mail clean cups to Dart, Terracycle, or other companies accepting styrofoam for recycling.

Why do styrofoam cups bring up college nostalgia?

Scribbled on styrofoam cups are iconic at college parties and tailgates. The cups remind alumni of late nights bonding with friends over drinks in dorms. They represent carefree fun times and beloved traditions.