I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

from Helen Rebecca Ceramics

Coffee cups, like straws, grocery bags, and water bottles, creates hundreds of years of waste for a few minutes of ease. These cups are usually lined with plastic on the inside (yes, plastic that leeches with heat... so think about that). By switching over to a reusable cup, you may have one more thing to keep track of and clean, but you could save the world from so much waste. And, lots of coffee places now give discounts if you bring your own cup!

Of course, Etsy has gorgeous ones. So check out these gems:


PictureinaDream (California) make ceramic to go cups with sweet and feminine paint jobs. Like ceramic? Check ChoChoArtware too.


Lenny Mud (New Jersey) make tons of ceramic mugs with a handle and plastic lid. They have tons, like this cute Sharkweek mug as well.

Grey Cricket Studio (New Hampshire) make gorgeous minimalist mugs I am not cool enough to carry. Check out Portland Leather too.

KandCStudios (Wisconsin) makes their mug out of stainless steel and plastic. I like that it is skinny and tall, to fit into a car cup holder if you are an on the run kind of person.


Bove Pottery (Ohio) make beautiful ceramic mugs. Check out Blue Room Pottery, 3 Points Artwork, and sarahwelchpottery for more handmade coffee mugs.


Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists.