Talk softly and Carry a big Cup of Coffee...

Coffee is my comfort food.  

I adore it at any time of the day.  I enjoy the smell of freshly ground coffee beans (or even grounds right out of the can).  I am not remotely picky about my coffee (I prefer a dark roast, but mostly I will drink whatever is on hand).  I would say that I am a lazy coffee lover.  I prefer my coffee black with no added frills or flavor shots.  

I typically skip Coffee Houses, but I am a sucker for a Mom & Pop shop that will serve me coffee in an actual mug (no paper or Styrofoam, please).  Mostly I brew my coffee at home, because it is just easier that way (and more economically and environmentally sound).

But, as much as I love a good mug of coffee...I find myself needing to transport said coffee with me when I run errands or find that my typical duties take me away from my home base.

Enter my Klean Kanteen...

Sadly, that is just the background on my computer not and
on-location pic from a glorious vacation.

I purchased this Kleen Kanteen years ago, after several failed attempts to find travel mug that suited my needs.  It is Stainless Steel (No plastic is a MUST...hot beverages in Plastic is not a good mix...don't do it) all except for the cafe cap (which can be purchased separately), which can be closed to prevent spillage.  The double walled design keeps the coffee hot for HOURS (if 16oz can last me the whole day, my coffee will still be warm at the last sip) and it's double walls also keep cold beverages cold, without pesky sweating.

Kleen Kanteen makes multiple sizes and an charming array of colors (I just love the way the green pops on the white).  pssst....I also adore the River Rock and the Coyote Brown.  

Having a reusable option not only lets me take coffee with me, but I can also use this to reduce the amount of waste I create by refilling it when I do happen upon a charming coffee shop that doesn't serve coffee in a reusable option.  I picked up this tip from a fabulous website, Zero Waste Home, that has so many wonderful strategies to live better all while reducing your waste.  

My home is far from Zero Waste, but we are striving to drastically reduce our footprint.  I have found that the small step of carrying my own coffee or keeping my kleen kanteen on hand and available when dining out is so easy and makes a big different in the amount of trash I make.  

Realistically, anything that gives me access to coffee throughout the day is something I am willing to invest in.  Consider making your own reusable investment: