Are you as excited by those plastic "splash guards" that Starbucks introduced this year as I am? Isn't it a thrill to walk down the street with a full cup of joe and not have it splash all over you? Reading that sentence just now, I can see that it might seem like I'm being sarcastic, but I assure you, I mean it! They introduced them in the States before Canada and the first place I saw them was in Buffalo. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why they thought I would need a swizzle stick half the size of my cup, but once the Barista showed me that it was meant to plug up the lid to prevent spillage...well...I was impressed. They are encouraging customers, at my local Starbucks anyway, to keep them, wash them and reuse them. Which makes both good environmental and public relations sense.
My thought is this: why isn't some clever artisan making designer "splash guards" made out of stainless steel with pretty beaded ornaments on top? Perhaps a themed splash guard? A tiny golf ball for your Dad and shoe for your girlfriend? They could come in their own little case, like a nail file and you could carry them in your pocket or your purse. It would be like a charm bracelet for your coffee...only useful...and environmentally sound...and creative! Come on artisans! Steal this idea!
