A few months ago I got an "I'm Not a Paper Cup" as a gift. It's a ceramic imitation of the ubiquitous disposable paper cup from coffee shops. At first glance, this entertaining take on the reusable travel mug seems to be a stylish gimmick destined to collect dust on the shelf but upon closer examination, it is actually a very thoughtfully-designed piece. The body is porcelain and double-walled for good insulation, hot or cold. It comes with a silicone lid (also mimicking the disposable plastic lids). It's dishwasher and microwave safe. And, unlike many contemporary travel mugs, it's slim enough to fit into the outdated, non-expanding cup holders in my car. The only perceivable con is that you have to grip it tight — this ceramic piece of art isn't drop-able.

While it is fun little article, I probably would not have bought one myself simply because my stainless tumbler is still going strong and is more durable and practical. But I also tend to be hard to sell to. The most surprising thing, though, has been the response it gets from other people. Every time I get it filled at a coffee shop, customers and baristas alike are in awe — asking where to buy it, passing it around to show their fellow workers. Just a few months ago it took a bit of effort to find it for sale online. Now a quick Googling will bring up a bunch of retailers ready to sell you the not-a-paper-cup along with other stylish "eco-friendly" items. I'm surprised I haven't seen it for sale in a Starbucks.

It's funny how the "green" movement has only recently started to take off due to its huge commercialization. You can hit people over the head with blunt facts all day (an average coffee-drinker can throw away over 300 cups, lids, sleeves, sugar packets and stirring sticks a year) to no effect, but present them with an option that will increase their "lifestyle" cool-factor and suddenly everyone wants to be a tree-hugger. Need some money for charity? Same thing, sell ‘em something awesome (or (RED)) they can proudly display on their sleeves. It's like selling indulgences, 2.0-style.

Although it's all a bit sad, in my humble opinion, it goes to show just how powerful design is. It has the ability to speak to people on an emotional level, influence decisions, sell ideas and, in some cases, make or break a product. Sometimes, putting lipstick on a pig is all it takes.

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