Great post and great thread. Keep it coming, guys!
I recently started going back to the gym. Went through all my old workout clothes and saw they all tried to sneak in some zog materials. So I just ordered a 100% merino wool shirt from online, as well as 100% cotton shorts.
The wool shirt took one or two sessions to get used to, as you feel a bit hotter at the start of your workout than normal. But the cool (literally) thing is that your temperature doesn't really rise from there, whereas the gross synthetic "wicking" sports shirts of all types start out cool but by the end you can't breathe and your skin feels terrible.
For water and teas we use glass cups and jugs. And I take a stainless steel water bottle on walks and to the gym. Wood and stainless steel and silicon tools in the kitchen, along with stainless and cast iron and ceramic vessels. Stainless kettle. The plastic tupperware is only ever used for things that are room temp or below that will go in the freezer. Heating up will be done in a stainless pot on the stove. We use a Bodum or moka pot for coffee.
My favorite glass for practical use (both residential and commercial) is Duralex (Picardie series). I highly recommend buying some while it is still available, as Covid destroyed this proud French company and I think it may be fatal. The glasses can handle quick temperature changes and even some bumps/drops, they stack well to save space, and their volume suits the civilized life (they make 2oz espresso shot glasses, 1 cup normal glasses, 36cl and 500ml beer bottle and US pint glasses). Bought a set of the three larger sizes a year ago for $64 CAD and now they are $100 (if you can find them).
This is all a very minor cultural inconvenience at first, but once you get used to it, it's all way better and not at all a hassle. In fact, it's somewhat meditative and pleasing.
Sorry to say the thermal surface came in contact with my lip and it tasted sweet! I wonder how bad that thermal stuff actually is. It is definitely sweet but don't try it on purpose.
