Six Tips for a More Sustainable Coffee Habit
Planet-friendly from bean to mug
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Coffee is a necessary pick-me-up for the majority of us. According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), 62 percent of people in the U.S. sip on a hot or cold brew everyday. But, like nearly everything else we do in our daily lives, drinking coffee can have a negative impact on the environment. From the way the bean is harvested to the single-use cups, straws, and to-go lids we drink out of, your typical cup of coffee can have a surprisingly large ecological impact. But it isn’t that hard to have a more sustainable coffee habit. Here are six easy, eco-friendly ideas.
1. Choose an ethical coffee brand
As demand for coffee is steadily increasing around the world, so is its impact on the environment. One of the industry’s biggest concerns is deforestation, which is accelerated by climate change and increased global demand. Choosing an ethical brand is a great place to start your sustainable coffee journey. According to Smithsonian Magazine, coffee beans with the following labels are worth seeking out: Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic, and Bird-Friendly Certified
2. Bring your own mug
According to the NCA, 48 percent of daily coffee drinkers buy from local cafes. While that’s great for local businesses, it also means that millions of single-use plastic and paper cups are used and discarded daily. Worse, many waste facilities can’t recycle coffee cups, so they end up in the landfill and take decades to degrade.
To limit the amount of single-use cups you’re using, some coffee shops will allow you to bring your own reusable coffee mug. Just bring in a clean cup and hold onto your lid. You can pop on the lid once the barista hands over your prepared drink.
Find out if your favorite coffee shop accepts reusable cups. If that’s not an option, you can try limiting the number of days you opt for takeout coffee per week. As a bonus, see if you can skip the plastic or paper straw and use a sippy cup lid instead. The less plastic you consume, the lesser your impact on the environment.
3. Brew your coffee without electricity
Nearly every home appliance requires electricity, including your automatic coffee maker. You can use less energy (and hopefully lower your electric bill in the process) by making coffee with a manual brewing method instead. There are different types of manual brewing methods to consider based on your preferred taste and aroma.
For instance, those who enjoy rich coffee can switch to a French press. Alternatively, you can try the pour-over method for a lighter flavor; this method gives you more control over the coffee flavor. There’s also the Aeropress, which is perfect for making a single cup of coffee you can take with you on the go.
4. Recycle your coffee pods
Coffee pods are incredibly convenient, but not every type is recyclable or simple to dispose of ethically. Some coffee companies, such as Nespresso, require their pods to be recycled directly at a factory. And according to WIRED, that puts the recycling rate at only 25 percent.
If you’re not already recycling your coffee pods, putting in that extra effort can go a long way for the planet. Just look into your preferred brand’s recycling options if you’re unsure.
Or, alternatively, purchase reusable coffee pods instead. Just make sure the one you choose is compatible with your coffee maker!
5. Get a reusable coffee filter
Make your morning coffee more eco-friendly by switching to reusable coffee filters. You can find cloth or stainless steel filters (which also happen to be dishwasher-friendly) to fit all types of coffee makers.
Simply wash the coffee filter thoroughly instead of reaching for a disposable filter everyday. Not only will you produce less garbage, but you’ll also save money by not having to buy filters regularly.
6. Reuse your coffee grounds
Instead of throwing out old coffee grounds, why not use them to fertilize your garden?
Nutrient levels in the soil are absorbed by plants as they grow, and your leftover grounds contain some particularly beneficial ones. Coffee grounds include minerals such as nitrogen, calcium, and iron that optimize plant growth and foster foliage. Another benefit? Coffee grounds attract worms, which help your garden thrive. Just spread the grounds in the soil around your plants to reap the benefits.
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