As some consumers ditch Stanley cups, experts weigh overconsumption risks

As some consumers ditch their viral sensation Stanley cups over lead concerns, experts tell ABC News about overconsumption risks.

The widely popular Stanley Cups are flying off store shelves and can be seen quenching influencers' thirsts in videos online, however, these reusable cups may actually pose some sustainability concerns, experts told ABC News.

Several experts told ABC News that the transience of reusable cup and water bottle trends can promote overconsumption of these products and become counterproductive when weighed against the goal of supporting sustainability.

While experts agree that reusable products are a positive option for consumers hoping to make a more sustainable choice, many are saying companies encouraging people to buy unnecessary multiples of them is problematic.

Sandra Goldmark, circularity expert from Barnard College and the Columbia University Climate School, told ABC News that each of these products has an "environmental payback period," and customers need to "really understand why it's so unsustainable to buy multiple, durable items, and treat them more like a fast fashion item."

"This [cup craze] is really kind of a funny intersection of something that can be green and more sustainable, i.e. a reusable product, but a marketing and fashion moment that is really, truly unsustainable, and it's an unfortunate intersection," Goldmark said.