The Perspectives page of The Blue and White offers students and staff an opportunity to express their thoughts about topics that affect our school, our community, or the world at large. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Apopka High School or The Blue and White.
The following editorial was contributed by Junior Beyoncé Castro.
It all started with the invention of an American company. It expanded into a craze that would lead to numerous fights, robberies, shouting matches, and even people camping outside the store overnight. This invention is famously known as the Stanley Tumbler.
Stanley, an American company with a long history of producing high-quality outdoor gear and equipment, was initially focused on creating the all-steel vacuum bottle for soldiers, workers, and outdoor enthusiasts. However, with the release of new product lines, Stanley has shifted its focus to a younger audience. One of its most popular products is the Stanley Adventure Quencher, a 40oz tumbler made of high-quality stainless steel. This tumbler contains double-wall vacuum insulation and a large handle on the side. It is comfortable to grip and can keep water cold for up to eleven hours or two days when filled with ice. The large tumbler gained traction through social media such as Instagram, YouTube, and, most predominantly, TikTok.
Social media has played a vital role in widening the reach of Stanley’s brand beyond its traditional blue-collar worker audience. Thanks to platforms like TikTok, Stanley’s iconic tumbler has garnered a massive following among Gen X to Gen Alpha users. TikTok users have been showcasing the tumbler’s durability, insulation, and aesthetics, highlighting its sleek design that fits perfectly in a cup holder. Moreover, popular influencers have featured Stanley in their posts, increasing its visibility among the younger demographic. As a result, owning a Stanley Tumbler has become a trend among students across various grades. However, popularity often comes with a downside.
Owning a Stanley Tumbler has become a status symbol among Gen Alpha and Gen Z students, leading those without one to feel like outcasts. While seeing a product gain popularity is excellent, it’s important to remember that everyone has different preferences and budgets. It’s unfair to judge or mistreat someone based on the products they own or don’t own, especially when the price ranges from 30-50 dollars and has the same capabilities as any other famous water bottle, such as the hydro flask. Although the Stanley Tumbler has gained popularity, it has its challenges. It can become quite heavy when filled with beverages, making it challenging to carry around, primarily because of its bulky size. Additionally, the tumbler’s lid is reportedly only partially leakproof, which can be problematic when holding it in your bag.
Concerns have been raised about the Stanley FlowState H2.0 Quencher Tumbler containing lead in its insulation and that repeatedly dropping it could lead to lead contamination, potentially causing harm to individuals. However, it’s important to note that these rumors are false. The tumbler’s insulation comprises the inner wall and the vacuum-sealed space between the inner and outer walls. The inner wall is made of high-quality stainless steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion and helps keep the drink’s temperature consistent. The vacuum-sealed space between the inner and outer walls is created by removing the air, creating a vacuum, and sealing the tumbler. This space helps to prevent heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the tumbler, keeping the drink hot or cold for extended periods. Moreover, the tumbler’s outer wall is also made of durable stainless steel, which provides additional insulation and protection. The combination of these components makes the Stanley FlowState H2.0 Quencher Tumbler a high-quality insulated tumbler that does not contain lead.
It’s important to note that lead is not commonly used in insulation due to its toxicity and potential health risks. Many countries have strict regulations on the use of lead in consumer products, including insulation. According to the news site Wired, Stanley also said that while they use an industry-standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base, which contains some lead, this area is covered with a durable stainless steel layer. This ensures that no lead is present on any surface that contacts the consumer or the product contents. While the vessel technically contains lead, it’s enclosed with stainless steel and should never come in contact with the outside surface. Therefore, the Stanley FlowState H2.0 Quencher Tumbler is a safe tumbler to use.
Overall, the Stanley Tumbler has become a popular product among a younger audience thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. While its durability, insulation, and aesthetics make it a great product, it’s important to remember that everyone has different preferences and budgets. It’s unfair to judge or mistreat someone based on the products they own or don’t own. Concerns about lead in the Stanley FlowState H2.0 Quencher Tumbler’s insulation have been proven false, making it a safe and high-quality insulated tumbler. Whether or not someone thinks a Stanley is worth it all comes down to preference, and while the initial cost of a Stanley Tumbler may be higher than other options, the long lifespan and durability of the product can make it a worthwhile investment in the long run. Ultimately, whether or not a Stanley Tumbler is worth it depends on individual needs and priorities.
