Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The use of tumblers has become a lifestyle symbol among Generation Z, particularly in urban communities. This positive lifestyle reflects their concern for the environment, health consciousness, and identity as educated individuals.
With over 45 million members of Gen Z in Indonesia, they view tumblers as their small contribution to saving the environment by reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. This signifies the growing environmental awareness among Gen Z in protecting the planet for their present and future lives.
The rise in this awareness is closely tied to the influence of social media, which is an integral part of the lives of Gen Z, aged under 27. Additionally, workplace, social, and educational environments also play significant roles in promoting tumbler use. In many offices, for instance, the use of glasses has been significantly restricted. Instead, water dispensers are provided for refilling tumblers. “Glasses are no longer allowed at workstations after an incident where a glass was knocked over, spilling water on documents and a laptop,” said Muhammad Izqian (26), who works in the SCBD area of Jakarta. As a result, employees are encouraged to use tumblers.
Employees find using tumblers more practical, as they can be kept at their desks, eliminating the need to frequently visit the office pantry for drinking water. Tumblers are also perceived as healthier since they are personal and not shared with others. Furthermore, tumbler usage is economical and convenient, as refill stations with water dispensers are increasingly available in public spaces like train stations.
“A tumbler is now like a smartphone. It feels incomplete to go out without carrying one,” said Galih Pangestu (20), a university student in Jatinangor, Sumedang.
Historically, tumblers are not a new invention. Ancient Egyptians in 6,000 BC used animal skin pouches to carry water on long journeys. In Asia and Africa, dried gourd shells were also used to store water during travels. Meanwhile, the military has long utilized canteens for carrying drinking water on the go.
The modern tumbler design, as we know it today, was first created in 1946 by Earl Silas Tupper (1907–1983), a chemical engineer in the United States and the founder of Tupperware. This global company, known for producing household goods, initially made tumblers from polypropylene plastic, featuring a twistable lid for opening and closing.
Over time, tumblers have evolved in design, size, and features, including those with thermal insulation to keep beverages hot or cold. The campaign for tumbler use has gained momentum worldwide. For instance, during the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, tens of thousands of conference participants were provided with tumblers, while water dispensers were set up at several points for refills.
Today, as public environmental awareness grows, the use of tumblers is becoming increasingly widespread and has even become a lifestyle, especially among Gen Z. Do you also use a tumbler?
