In a world where people are increasingly looking for sustainable options, it’s no surprise that the coffee industry is following suit. Many companies are now focusing on eco-friendly coffee production, trying to find ways to reduce their environmental impact while still producing high-quality coffee. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the ways these companies are striving for sustainability.
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How does environmentally friendly coffee work?
When it comes to coffee, there are a lot of choices to make. But one of the most important choices is whether to choose sustainable coffee or not.
Sustainable coffee is produced in a way that is safe for workers, fair to farmers, and gentle on the environment. This means that coffee beans are grown using methods that avoid harming wildlife or destroying natural habitats.
It also means that workers are paid a fair wage and have access to safe working conditions.
And finally, it means that farmers can earn a decent living from their coffee crops.
Choosing sustainable coffee is a way of ensuring that all of these things happen. It’s a way of supporting growers and workers who are committed to producing coffee in a way that is environmentally responsible and socially just.
Opting for sustainable coffee accessories
These days, it’s hard to walk into a coffee shop without seeing a “sustainably sourced” or “direct trade” sign.
And rightfully so – the coffee industry has a big environmental footprint. From water usage to carbon emissions, growing and transporting coffee takes a toll on the planet.
But beyond buying sustainable coffee, it’s important to make environmentally-friendly choices with coffee accessories, too. Producing less waste by ditching disposable cups and cardboard sleeves also goes a long way.
For example, reusable metal straws can replace plastic ones, and bringing your own mug eliminates the need for paper or Styrofoam cups.
Small changes like these can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.
Eco-friendly in action: Roastiva
An example of a brand working to make coffee high quality but eco-friendly is Roastiva Coffee Roasters.
Their approach is borrowed from the milkman! Each week, they travel to neighbourhoods in Fruita, Grand Junction, Clifton, Orchard Mesa, and Palisade Colorado. People put out their empty glass jars and Roastiva refills them.
Not only that but the coffee is organic and fair-trade. It is roasted on-site and is fresh on the day of delivery. So there’s no dip in quality!
They have also now offered a service for the whole of the US via Priority Mail. Coffee is sent out within four hours of being roasted and uses 100% compostable packaging.
The whole process makes getting eco-friendly, sustainable coffee quickly so much easier. As a coffee lover, you can get your favourite type of coffee with a wide range available with less concern about its environmental impact.
How can you make your coffee more eco-friendly?
While the industry is doing its bit to make it more eco-friendly, we the coffee lovers need to chip in as well. The good news is that there are lots of ways we can make choices that allow us to enjoy our coffee but also do our bit for the planet too.
Cut back on single-serve cups
Single-serve coffee cups and pods have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the environmental impact of these products is often overlooked.
Single-serve cups and pods are made of plastic, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. In addition, the coffee grounds inside the pods are often not compostable, further contributing to landfill waste.
In 2015, over 10 billion K-Cups were produced by Green Mountain Coffee Co. If you lined them up end to end, they would wrap around the globe over 10 times!
While single-serve coffee cups and pods are convenient, it’s important to be aware of their environmental impact. Try to cut down on their use where possible, and choose reusable or compostable options when possible.
Try a reusable filter for your coffee machine
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly way to brew your coffee, ditching paper filters in favour of a reusable metal filter is a great option. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce paper waste.
Metal filters don’t require any bleaching or other chemical treatments, so they’re much friendlier to the environment. And as an added bonus, coffee brewed with a metal filter has a richer flavour and fuller mouthfeel.
So if you’re looking to upgrade your coffee-drinking experience, switch to a reusable metal filter today.
Take your own mug to coffee shops
One small change you can make to reduce paper waste is to use your own mug when you get coffee from a shop.
Every year, billions of coffee cups are sent to landfills – but if everyone just used their own mug, that number would be reduced significantly.
Taking your own mug also means you don’t have to use a disposable cup, which reduces your overall carbon footprint.
And it’s not just coffee cups – think about all the other places you could use your own mug: at the water cooler, for taking soup to work, or even just for drinking water at home.
So next time you reach for a paper cup, think about how you could reduce your paper waste by using your own mug instead.
