Every day we look forward to starting the day by wrapping our hands around a steaming cup of coffee. The days of grabbing a cup of coffee without thinking about the environmental impact of our habitual purchases are behind us. The good news is that enjoying coffee sustainably does not require compromise. From lattes to espresso, there are a wide variety of coffee beverages that can be made from home with a few small changes. The following are several actionable steps that can be taken to create an eco-friendly coffee routine, as improving the sustainability of a habit can be simpler than most would assume.
1. Switch to Reusable Coffee Filters
One of the biggest changes a coffee drinker can make is to buy a reusable coffee filter. Not only does this help reduce the impact of single-use coffee filters, but it can also improve the flavor of coffee. The reason for this is the materials used to make standard coffee filters. The sluggish nature of paper brewing allows the oils to pass through the filter, thus leading to richer flavor. This small change can have financial benefits as well, as the single cost of a reusable filter can save a significant amount of money over time. Transitioning to a reusable filter is one of the first steps people can take in order to enjoy a waste-free daily coffee ritual.
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2. Choose Fair Trade and Organic Coffee Beans
Selecting Fair Trade, Organic Coffee beans allows you to have a socially and environmentally responsible morning ritual. Fair Trade means farmers are paid fairly, and Organic has less synthetic fertilizers which are better for the environment. By selecting Fair Trade and Organic coffee beans, you may have positive impact on sustainable agriculture and labor practices worldwide. Buy from local roasters and feel good about yourself for supporting local businesses.
3. Use a French Press or Pour-Over
Using a French Press or Pour Over to make your coffee is a great way to save on coffee and make less waste. You won’t have to throw out any coffee filters or pods, and the taste is better than any other brewing method. French Presses produce a much fuller, bolder taste than other coffee brewing tools because the filter is metal which allows all the oils to pass through and makes the coffee stronger. Pour Over is very different, you control the water flow, and it gives you grinded coffee a much cleaner, lighter taste than the French Press because you are removing so many of the oils. Both methods will allow you to produce coffee in an enjoyable way and make the whole ritual of making coffee more enjoyable.
4. Compost Your Coffee Grounds
Composting your coffee grounds is one way you can help reduce the amount of waste in landfills. This practice also enriches your garden soil. The addition of coffee grounds to your compost pile provides a large quantity of nitrogen and increases plant growth and soil structure. Your soil will be more fertile and hold moisture better. This practice is also a way to be more environmentally conscious by reusing coffee grounds. This change can also have positive impacts on your home garden (window box to backyard) extended use.
5. Opt for Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
Choosing plant based alternatives to milk such as almond, oat, and soy also helps reduce the environmental impact of drinking coffee. The environmental impacts associated with dairy farming such as water and land usage as well as greenhouse gas emissions are much higher than the use of resources needed to produce plant based milk. The impact with milk alternatives is much less than with dairy. The taste of alternative milks also tends to be sweeter and pairs well with coffee. Many coffee brands use fortified milk alternatives so you can still enjoy the health benefits without worrying about nutritional deficiencies. An environmentally friendly coffee option supports sustainable farming practices.
6. Use a Reusable Travel Mug
Taking a travel mug with you is a great way to avoid buying single-use cups. Stainless steel or BPA-free plastic travel mugs are great options. They are made to keep your drinks hot, and washing them is easy. They are also much more affordable than buying drinks in single-use cups. In fact, many coffee shops offer discounts when you bring your own mug, meaning you can save money and help the environment at the same time. Your travel mug can also be a stylish way of expressing yourself. Sustainability also doesn’t mean ugly and inconvenient.
7. Buy in Bulk and Reduce Packaging
Another great way to make a positive impact on the environment is to buy coffee beans in bulk. You can reduce your impact on single-use plastics and paper by using your own containers and buying from local coffee shops as well as shops that sell coffee in bulk. This is a great way to minimize your over-purchasing waste while allowing you to choose the exact amount of coffee you need. This method allows you to enjoy fresh coffee while reducing your impact on the environment and supporting a circular economy.
8. Support Local Roasters
When you buy your coffee from local coffee roasters, you support sustainability because it helps reduce carbon emissions from long-distance transport. By purchasing from local coffee roasters, you support small-batch producers who take the time to prioritize quality and freshness. Local roasters also provide an equitable supply chain by sourcing directly from farmers. Purchasing locally gives you the opportunity to taste different flavor profiles and seasonal blends that paint a picture of your local area. When you buy coffee from local roasters, you enjoy amazing coffee while supporting a more sustainable economy.
9. Invest in Energy-Efficient Coffee Appliances
You can still have your daily cup of coffee while reducing your household’s carbon footprint by using energy-efficient coffee appliances. Modern coffee makers and kettles use new technology to minimize energy usage to boil water and keep water at optimal temperatures for brewing. Look for appliances with an Energy Star rating to meet certain efficiency standards. Your electricity bill will be lower because of this minor change, and you will contribute to a sustainable future. Enjoy coffee guilt-free because you will be helping the environment by making this investment in your kitchen.
10. Grow Your Own Coffee Plant
Growing a coffee plant is a fun and educational way to learn more about coffee and how to be sustainable in your day-to-day life. It will teach you all about how coffee goes from the farm to your cup. You can even grow your own coffee beans! It’s also a fun way to add some decoration and color to your home. All you need to do is make sure it has enough light and moisture. Even though it will take a few years before you can pick the coffee beans, it will be fun to learn about the process. Growing your own coffee will help you learn about all of the different steps that go in to making just one cup.
11. Use Cold Brew Methods
Another way to be more sustainable is to implement cold brew into your coffee routine. Instead of using energy to heat up your coffee, you just have to steep your coffee in cold water. This will make a naturally sweet cup of coffee because there will be less acid. Once you get a good cold brew maker, you do not even have to worry about making a lot of coffee every day. A cold brew maker also has a lower impact on the environment because there will be less energy used. Overall, a cold brew maker will help you coffee routine be more sustainable and will help you enjoy it more.
12. Upcycle Coffee Grounds for Skincare
Used coffee grounds can be repurposed as body scrubs or face masks, which can be a fun and creative way to practice sustainability. Because of their natural exfoliating properties, coffee grounds are effective in removing dead skin cells. If you mix the coffee grounds with some coconut oil or an essential oil of your choice, this will help elevate your DIY skin care product to the next level. This is a great way to practice a zero-waste lifestyle as well as save money because you can treat yourself to an at-home spa experience. Each time you use the scrub, you are helping the planet while also enjoying smooth skin.
13. Eco-Friendly Cleaning of Your Coffee Equipment
Having a clean coffee setup is very important for your health and to enjoy your coffee. To protect the planet while keeping your space tidy, use natural cleaning products. You can use vinegar and baking soda; both are biodegradable and will remove any odors, stains and burnt coffee. Once you make this change, it will make a positive impact on the environment while allowing you to still enjoy your coffee and clean coffee set up. By changing to a natural cleaning method you will be making a positive impact on the environment.
14. Participate in Tree-Planting Initiatives Through Coffee Brands
Another thing you can do to help the environment is to buy coffee from companies that participate in reforestation. This is one of the most effective methods to make a positive impact. Many companies help with tree planting by donating a percentage of the profits from the coffee to be used to plant a certain number of trees. When you purchase coffee from these companies you are encouraging coffee brands to consider the impact that their business has on the environment and their customers and to take action. This small act will have a big impact on your environment.
