Coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide. Did you know that around 166.63 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee were consumed worldwide in 2020/2021? Can you imagine how significant an impact that had on our planet? People meet up to have coffee while discussing business, and they have a cup of joe every morning before work or on their way to the office, so it’s no wonder that coffee production and brewing have a considerable impact on the planet. However, we know a few ways for your coffee routine to become more eco-friendly.
Forget about straws
Do you prefer iced over brewed coffee? For more enjoyment, many people use a straw to sip on their refreshing beverage. Plastic straws, like plastic bags, have a detrimental effect on the planet. Therefore, stop using plastic straws and switch to glass or bamboo ones. Even silicone straws are a better choice than plastic ones. Regardless of being made of plastic, people tend to use them once, before they end up in the trash. Glass and bamboo straws will last for years without causing harm to the planet.
Brew coffee on your own
One of the reasons some people enjoy coffee so much is because it comes from Starbucks or some other coffee franchise that made this beverage so delicious. Aside from the flavour, there’s the trend factor too. Everybody is snapping their coffee time and posting on social media for the ultimate aesthetic moment. However, brewing coffee at home is a more sustainable way to enjoy your morning cup of joe. Choose one or more popular coffee brewing methods and enjoy a cup of coffee that’s 100% eco-friendly. French press, cold brew immersion, and percolation brewing are a few examples of making coffee at home that you might turn into a ritual.
Switch to compostable coffee pods
Do you prefer a cup of Nespresso coffee over those from a traditional coffee maker? Today, thanks to eco-friendly pods, you don’t have to worry about polluting the environment with every cup of coffee your coffee machine makes. You can shop quality eco-friendly coffee pods that are compostable and can fertilise your garden after you’ve enjoyed your favourite coffee brew. All it takes to become an eco-friendlier coffee drinker is dedication and determination. After that, you’ll find new sustainable ways to drink coffee on your own.
Buy reusable filters for your new eco-friendly coffee routine
Now that you’ve decided to make coffee at home, you’ll need to rethink the use of coffee filters. Waste is inevitable, but you can do plenty to bring it to a minimum. While paper filters are biodegradable, not all of them are compostable. Switching to reusable filters is a much better alternative. Not only will you help the planet, but also save money on constantly buying new paper filters. Some people say that reusable filters make coffee taste awkward. If that happens to be the case with you as well, look for the unbleached paper filters. Unlike bleached ones, these can compost without endangering the planet.
Reusable cups over single-serve ones
If you’ve been indulging in coffee on the go ever since you can remember starting your coffee rituals, it might be challenging to start making coffee at home and not buying a cup outside. We understand that some habits die hard, but that won’t be too much of a problem. Namely, as long as you invest in a reusable cup, you will be drinking coffee more responsibly. Instead of having your cup of joe poured into a non-reusable cup from the coffee shop, bring your travel mug with you and have the barista pour coffee into it. The fewer coffee cups are wasted, the better. And you can contribute easily by investing in a thermos mug that will keep your coffee warm for much longer than the cup from the cafeteria would.
For some people, coffee routine has become more of a ritual than a need. That is especially true for those who drink decaf and don’t rely on caffeine to keep them energised for daily activities. Considering our planet needs our help to survive, we should find a multitude of ways to become more eco-friendly. Drinking coffee is one of those ways. Instead of buying coffee at the cafeteria, brew your cup of joe. Forget about using plastic straws, switch to biodegradable coffee pods, bring a reusable cup, and shop for reusable coffee filters to make this planet a better place to live.
