So I wanted to make a post, just to get people’s experience with these cups, for me it is a welcome thing, as I want to remove plastics, from what I consume.
But I have wondered. Is it as good as the old solo cups?
Are you seeing good results? Bad? Mixed?
Let us know what your finding. So far I have had issues with watering, as I can see through them, and also with plants that are to large for the container, things seem to not have such a prolonged health decent due to root bound issues.
Also sprouts and seedlings seem to not fare as well. But I will continue to experiment and see if these aluminum cups can out perform the good ol solo.
I’d stay away from metallic materials and the soil/root structure…definitely do not want to come into contact with nutrient solution as can cause a unwanted chemical reaction…just my thoughts…
@Alaskagrown That’s a very good point I was thinking of, also the thing that has me. Is pockets. Aluminum oxide require large amount of electricity to make aluminum, but when pouring it, it also doesn’t come out smooth, like with most plastics. So I’ve been left to wonder also, if there is material left in these pockets after each use.
The other thing that bothers me is what happens with room temperature water and aluminum. And then add the chlorine or monochlormides that city water uses. Plus the added thought of it’s reactivity to heavy metals. It’s got me to wondering.
They work for a cold beer for sure. I don’t know if they have any lining like the can it came out of but I think it definitely keeps the drink colder longer than the plastic ones.
Lining in all cans, you would easily taste aluminum. Thats why bottles were popular and still are. But cans have gotten better.
I gotta assume there’s some kind of coating on the aluminum cup? If not, you still punch holes “exposing” the core of the walls/ bottom. Water and aluminum does cause corrosion, and salts in ferts can accelerate that I guess. I hate plastics as much as you, but still don’t think the ball aluminum cups are good for this purpose (By all means use em at your BBQ! perfect when used right!)
I would like to mention, that unlike a beer can or soda can. Their is no BPA lining or anything of that sort, one could assume the metal toxicity could be a problem, if plants stay in the cup, and in the small likely hood of breakdown, cause metals to leach to unsafe levels.
However for me. I don’t think degradation would be anywhere near that quick, as most plants stay in them for about 30 days, another thing is, that even plastics breakdown to certain chemicals, but since we test for heavy metal containments rather than plastic contamination also, it is assumed that plastics are better and safer than metals.
In large beds where the plant will stay for a prolonged time, yes there is plenty of research to show that when the metal breakdown it leaches. But there isn’t a study that directly shows plastic degrading and what was intake the plant has from there.
From the chart above, one can see what the metal container is made from, and what reacts with it, and this chart is common soil breakdowns and minerals involved
Polystyrene is relatively chemically inert. While it is waterproof and resistant to breakdown by many acids and bases, it is easily attacked by many organic solvents (e.g. it dissolves quickly when exposed to acetone), chlorinated solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. Because of its resilience and inertness, it is used for fabricating many objects of commerce. Like other organic compounds, polystyrene burns to give carbon dioxide and water vapor, in addition to other thermal degradation by-products. Polystyrene, being an aromatic hydrocarbon, typically combusts incompletely as indicated by the sooty flame.[citation needed]
The process of depolymerizing polystyrene into its monomer, styrene, is called pyrolysis. This involves using high heat and pressure to break down the chemical bonds between each styrene compound. Pyrolysis usually goes up to 430 °C.[20] The high energy cost of doing this has made commercial recycling of polystyrene back into styrene monomer difficult.[citation needed]
Organisms Edit
Polystyrene is generally considered to be non-biodegradable. However, certain organisms are able to degrade it, albeit very slowly.[21]
In 2015, researchers discovered that mealworms, the larvae form of the darkling beetle Tenebrio molitor, could digest and subsist healthily on a diet of EPS.[22][23] About 100 mealworms could consume between 34 and 39 milligrams of this white foam in a day. The droppings of mealworm were found to be safe for use as soil for crops.[22]
In 2016, it was also reported that superworms (Zophobas morio) may eat expanded polystyrene (EPS).[24] A group of high school students in Ateneo de Manila University found that compared to Tenebrio molitor larvae, Zophobas morio larvae may consume greater amounts of EPS over longer periods of time.[25]
The bacterium Pseudomonas putida is capable of converting styrene oil into the biodegradable plastic PHA.[26][27][28] This may someday be of use in the effective disposing of polystyrene foam. It is worthy to note the polystyrene must undergo pyrolysis to turn into styrene oil.[citation needed]
And this is from Wikipedia on #6 plastics. There is a lot more info out there also on how organics effect #6 plastic.
I love them…just because I’m not boozing/smoking because of Lent that doesn’t mean I stopped going to the bars folks…the bar charges an extra $1 if you want to use these but I get them for free because I bring food to the bar…
Yes. Space. I can fit 36 16 oz solo cups in my 2x2x2 and only have to cycle it once a year, it allows me to keep many things in a bonsai state until I need it. Now time that by a lot and you can now store more.
I’m slowly moving to at home tissue culture but have had little problems using this method for over a year.
@Alaskagrown I did read up on aluminum toxicity, it does seem to be of concern. Especially with Aluminum hydroxide being a byproduct of just adding water into the aluminum (this is how they make hydrogen cars fuel cells).
@Rogue as with any plant. A direct sow is best, but with clones of plants I believe it matters not, as they will not be grown to maturity, so for me pot restrictions have little effect on what I am doing.
Terra Cotta is the way to go. Or ceramic. But I figured since these were available I’d give them a go
