"Washing Plastic"

How many of you run on Dunkin Donuts?

A friend of mine got me hooked on ice coffee about 10 years ago.  I am now for the most part, a re-formed Dunkin Donuts junkie.  I estimate this addiction was valued at approximately $25.00/wk. I became wise to my error in judgement when my boyfriend sagely pointed out how much money I could save if I started brewing my coffee at home.  Eureka! (My calculations figure I am saving nearly $10.00/wk)  The other benefit to brewing at home? Consistency. Within a five mile radius of my address stand 5 Dunkin Donuts shoppes.  None of them could produce what I consider to be a tasty cup of ice coffee day after day. 

My first task of transitioning to my home brew was to collect some plastic and styrofoam cups from DD.  I prefer the plastic cup and cover over the travel tumblers that alot of people use. (it always galled me how I would be charged .20 for a styrofoam cup considering my habit was making these establishments rich, but I digress) I started my adventures in home brewing about a year and a half ago.  I used to buy the Dunkin Donuts ground coffee, but it is way too strong for my liking.  The S&S brand, in vanilla creme, has a great flavor and is not as bitter.  Another pro is that it is $2.50 less.  Tada!

My adventures in home brewing wouldn't be complete without a true story. One night I decide to brew a pot of coffee.  I go through the usual set up and press the button to the on position then walk away.  About 20 minutes later, I returned to the scene of the accident.  Water from the coffee maker has overflowed onto the counter. "What the hell"! I open the lid, snatch up the basket and fling the filter into the trash. I place the basket on the counter trying to figure out what went wrong when suddenly I hear a pinggg sound and then something rolling on the counter.  Somehow a penny found its way into the basket blocking the channel and causing the overflow of water.     

I was hovering over the sink washing my plastic cups at work the other day and I heard someone whisper, "hmm washing plastic cups".  Not only do I reuse plastic cups, I also reuse plastic ziplock bags. Silly? I don't think so.  The plastic food containers that I get @ the supermarket make great saucers for my plants too.