I am not a Stanley cup convert. I cannot justify spending $45 or more on a 40-ounce mug.

And 40 ounces? I drink a lot of water, but I really don’t want to be carrying around a giant mug, either.

At that size, it’s more of a Mugzilla than a mug.

While I’m not a fan of the bulky Stanleys with the big handles, I am a giant fan of reusable cups and bottles.

But for me, it has nothing to do with being trendy or fashionable.

Instead, it’s all about my inner hippie.

EarthDay.Org notes that Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles a year, which is about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.

However, the agency notes if you use a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles a year.

And, readers, I’m here for those savings.

In fact, I go a step further. I use reusable grocery bags at the store so I don’t need the plastic bags, and I’ve been on a mission to weed out plastic kitchen containers in my house, converting to glass options.

I also find that when I use my metal water bottles, I drink more water than I would otherwise.

And in my house, those water bottles have a very practical purpose. The lids keep curious cats from taste-testing our glasses of water. I mean, I love the cats, but the thought of sharing my beverage with them is incredibly gross.

While I was researching this column, however, I looked at the Stanley website, and I was shocked to discover 40 ounces wasn’t the biggest size … the company actually offers a 64-ounce travel tumbler – with a straw, no less.

Stanley notes, “The larger size even fits comfortably in your vehicle’s cup holder and comes with a rugged handle for carrying.”

Sheesh. I just can’t imagine carrying it around all day!

I do, however, have several reusable metal tumblers with lids and straws that carry 24 ounces. They were much less expensive, purchased locally for $13, and readers, they work just fine.

Maybe a Stanley cup is the most amazing thing on the planet, and I’m just missing the boat on this.

But I’m not willing to spend the $45 to find out. And I’m not willing to stand in line for a trendy water bottle, nor am I willing to stalk it online.

However, to each their own. I can’t judge someone based on their water cup choices in life. If it brings you joy, then so be it.

Whatever reusable cup you choose to use, readers, my inner hippie thanks you for avoiding those one-use plastics!