THURSDAY, NOV. 7

Few symbols indicate the arrival of the holiday season better than the Starbucks red cup. To celebrate the start of the holidays, Starbucks is handing out free, reusable coffee cups, nationwide, today.

The mega-coffeehouse chain issued an identical giveaway last year to introduce their newest collection of reusable cups as part of the sustainability initiatives. This year, the cups are more or less the same. Made of the same plastic that doesn’t really keep your beverages hot, or cold for long, but, hey they’re reusable. And they do look different with the words “Merry Coffee” decorating the cups in block letters.

All you have to do is walk in and order any of their seasonal drinks that is at least grande sized and they’ll give you a cup to take home. And, until the season ends Jan 6., they’ll be rewarding you with a 50-cents discount on future purchases if you come back in with the 2019 edition cup.

The catch? The discount only applies if you purchase a drink from Starbucks after 2 p.m. and have to buy one of their specialty holiday beverages that is at least a grande or larger.

Many stores reported being sold out within hours of opening. So, if you’re dead set on nabbing one of these, you’ll probably want to get there before 9 a.m., and even that may be pushing it.

Another great thing: While reusable cups might not be the end-all be-all answer to the consumer waste crisis, it’s conscientious thinking. So hurrah! Feel good about your decision. Just remember to use it.

Giving us a moment’s pause: We’ll probably just leave it at home next to our reusable grocery bags.

The Starbucks reusable cup giveaway is Nov. 7, in all participating Starbucks while supplies last. For more information visit the Starbucks corporate website, here.