Cold, supposedly sleek cans versus vintage-like glass bottles

This had to be by chance for sure...I have always had a strong opinion of soda cans being pretentious, and trying hard to look cool. However, friends and colleagues have always had their opinion, saying that soda cans represent more hygiene and highlighting that how increasingly, people want everything to be better packed and made more presentable. During a recent visit to a local market, I came across a bulk dealer's store that retails simple glass bottles. The dairy bottles that were once used to retail milk. These are making a comeback of sorts. As compared to the cans, I find them easier to grip, literally more transparent and the rounded-ness brings about some retro feeling.

The lids are getting easier to use, easy to click into place, and lock the bottle for good. I have bought about half a dozen and though there is no plan to make a collection out of these, there are some thoughts about using them as indoor planters, albeit after painting them in bright metallic paints. Cans, in comparison, seem highly disposable. They might look more urbane but there is nothing elite about them. Beer cans might make smuggling in the summer beverage easier across properties or places that frown at alcohol but the cold, but highly durable, the body of a soda can has nothing if compared to the aesthetics of my classic dairy milk bottle.

BEYOND PERSONAL OPINIONS: SHARING SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SUBJECT GATHERED FROM THE WEB

Why do some people collect classic dairy milk bottles?

Some people collect classic dairy milk bottles as a hobby because they find them interesting, unique, or nostalgic. Milk bottles from the past can be a reminder of a bygone era and can evoke memories of a simpler time. They can also be a way to preserve a piece of history. Collectors often appreciate the craftsmanship and design of old milk bottles and enjoy researching their history and origin. These bottles can be a reminder of how milk was once delivered, bottled, and sold. Collectors often enjoy the challenge of finding and acquiring rare or hard-to-find bottles, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a collection. They also enjoy sharing their collections with others and learning more about the history of milk bottles. Some people also collect milk bottles as an investment, as some rare and unique milk bottles can be quite valuable. It's also worth mentioning that milk bottle collecting is a niche hobby and that not everyone will have the same appreciation for it, but for those who do, it can be a fun and enjoyable pastime.

Tell me more about collecting glass milk bottles as a hobby...

Collectors often look for milk bottles that are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear. Some bottles may be quite valuable if they are rare or in excellent condition. To start collecting glass milk bottles, one can look for them in antique shops, flea markets, garage sales, and online auction sites. Joining a milk bottle collecting club or attending a milk bottle show can also be a great way to learn more about the hobby and meet other collectors. It's worth noting that some types of milk bottles are more valuable than others, such as those made by certain manufacturers, those made during certain time periods, or those that are a unique shape or color. It's also worth noting that some milk bottles are considered more valuable if they still have the original paper label or embossing on them. There are several different types of glass milk bottles that were used throughout the 20th century. Some of the most common types include:

Pint and quart bottles: These were the most common sizes of milk bottles and were used for home delivery of milk. They were typically clear or blue-green in color and had a wide mouth for easy pouring.

Embossed bottles: These bottles had raised lettering or designs on them, such as the name of the dairy or a picture of a cow. They were often used for home delivery and were made in a variety of sizes.

Hutchinson bottles: These were an early type of milk bottle that had a spring-loaded stopper on the top. They were typically used for home delivery and were made in a variety of sizes.

Cream top bottles: These bottles had a wider top than the regular milk bottle, which was used to hold cream that would rise to the top of the milk.

Milk carton bottles: These bottles were made of cardboard and were used to hold milk in the early 20th century. They were typically used for school milk programs.

Milk jug bottles: These bottles were made of thicker glass and were used to hold milk for the grocery store. They typically held more milk than regular milk bottles.

Specialty bottles: These bottles were made in unique shapes and designs, such as heart-shaped bottles for Valentine's Day or Christmas-themed bottles. They were typically used for promotional purposes and were not as common as the other types of milk bottles.

It's worth noting that these are some of the most common types of glass milk bottles, but there could be other types that are less common or regional-specific.

Why are metal cans preferred over glass bottles?

Metal cans are preferred over glass bottles for several reasons:

Durability: Metal cans are much more durable than glass bottles and are less likely to break or crack. This makes them a more practical choice for transporting and storing liquids.

Lightweight: Metal cans are much lighter than glass bottles, which makes them easier to transport and handle. This also reduces the cost of shipping and handling.

Cost-effective: Metal cans are cheaper to produce than glass bottles, which makes them a more cost-effective choice for manufacturers and consumers.

Recycling: Metal cans are more easily recycled than glass bottles, which makes them a more environmentally-friendly choice. Metal cans can be recycled indefinitely, reducing the need for new materials to be mined and processed.

Preservation of the content: Metal cans provide a better barrier against light and air, which can preserve the freshness and taste of the product inside.

Food safety: Metal cans are also preferred for food safety as they are not permeable to air, light, and microorganisms and can be sealed hermetically, which can prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can spoil the food.

These factors have led many manufacturers and retailers to switch to metal cans as the preferred packaging for a wide range of products, including food and beverages.