3 Simple Changes for More Eco-Friendly Coffee Brewing
For many, coffee is a daily highlight, but it’s important to recognize its environmental impact—from the way coffee cherries are grown to how the coffee is brewed and consumed.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to make your coffee routine more sustainable without much effort. By adopting a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Here are three ways to enjoy coffee more sustainably:
Reusable K-Cup Coffee Pods
The Problem:
K-cups and coffee pods offer convenience and prevent coffee waste due to their single-serving design. However, they come with a significant environmental downside. Out of the 39,000 pods produced every minute, approximately 29,000 end up in landfills. Over six months, that amounts to around 7.2 billion pods dumped into landfills—equivalent to one pod for every person on the planet!
While some companies have started using recyclable or compostable materials, there’s still a long way to go. Many cities lack composting programs, meaning most pods still end up in landfills, contributing to long-term environmental waste.
The Solution:
A sustainable alternative to single-use pods is reusable coffee pods. These allow you to fill them with your own coffee, brew as usual, and then simply discard the grounds and clean the pod for reuse. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also offers an eco-friendly way to enjoy the convenience of single-serve brewing without contributing to landfill pollution.
Compostable Coffee Filters
The Problem:
Coffee filters are often overlooked when considering the environmental impact of our daily coffee habits. While they aren’t as harmful as single-use K-cups, many paper filters contribute to environmental waste. Most filters are discarded in landfills, and many are bleached with chlorine or oxygen, involving chemical processes that create additional waste.
The Solution:
A more sustainable option is using reusable or unbleached filters. Filters made from FSC-certified, chlorine-free, unbleached paper are a great choice. They are compostable, helping reduce waste and minimizing the environmental footprint of your coffee routine.
Brew Method
The Problem:
You might be surprised to learn that your brewing method significantly impacts the environment! While we’ve discussed the environmental drawbacks of single-use coffee pods, they only tell part of the story. Most brewing methods consume a considerable amount of electricity, including the energy required to boil water, heat, and grind the coffee. Since many places rely on fossil fuel power plants, your daily cup of coffee contributes a notable amount of carbon emissions to the atmosphere simply by using electricity.
The Solution:
Opt for brewing methods that use the least energy while minimizing waste. For instance, an espresso machine consumes much more energy than a French press or an Aeropress. Selecting your brewing method wisely can make a difference.
Surveys of coffee lovers highlight the energy impact of various brewing methods. Boiling a cup of water in an electric kettle typically requires about 1200 watts of electricity for a maximum of 4-5 minutes, which is often less than what a coffee machine uses (which involves heating, grinding, extracting, and frothing). Here are some of the most energy-efficient brewing methods:
- French Press: This fan-favorite is one of the most energy-efficient brewing methods available. It produces minimal waste and is built to last, requiring no electricity to operate. However, disposal can be a challenge at the end of its usable life.
- Stovetop Coffee Makers: A close second to the French press, these also score high for minimal waste and durability. They consume slightly more energy than a French press, and like the French press, recycling them at the end of their life can be inconvenient.
- Steeped Coffee Bags: Similar to tea bags, steeped coffee bags are simply dipped in boiling water. Surprisingly, they use about the same amount of energy as a French press or stovetop maker. If the bags are made from compostable materials, they leave behind very little waste and can be added to home compost at the end of their life. The downside is their limited longevity.
These suggestions can help you brew coffee in a more energy-efficient way. Every little effort counts, even if it’s just a small step toward a more sustainable future.
