For many people, drinking several cups of coffee a day is a lifestyle choice. So, considering how much java is gulped down on a daily basis, it makes sense to try and make this habit more eco-friendly. The good news is that it is absolutely possible to do this! For the best results, follow these suggestions below:
1. Keep Your K Cups Green
K cups have enjoyed quite a bit of popularity in the past few years. Not only does this product make it easier to brew your money cup, but it has so many different flavor options to choose from as well. Despite all the positive elements associated with K cups, there was one glaring issue. This, of course, was the fact that single-use containers weren’t green at all.
The good news, though, is that manufacturers have listened to these concerns and responded accordingly with the introduction of eco friendly Biodegradable K Cups. There are now several brands that offer containers that naturally break down with time. These fall into two categories – biodegradable and compostable. Thus, you can select a K cup that is especially suitable for your type of eco-friendly techniques.
Of course, when selecting these containers, try to make it a point to read the labels carefully. While some are fully biodegradable, this isn’t true for all K cups. Others have certain compartments that need to be separated and sent off to specialized recycling centers. Thus, you will need to select one that is easiest for you to dispose of in a responsible manner.
2. Buy Coffee Makers with Reusable Filters
Most people would look at single-use coffee filters and imagine that they would break down rather easily. After all, they are rather flimsy and are sure to decompose in a landfill. Well, what most people aren’t aware of is the fact that these filters are bleached. So, when they do break down, they release harmful chemicals into the soil.
This is why you should buy coffee makers with reusable filters. As the name suggests, these can be rinsed out and used continuously. Thus, you can considerably cut down on just how much waste you create every day. In case you aren’t in the market for a new coffee maker, there is another option for you.
You can purchase a separate reusable filter for your machine. All you need to do is to check that the filter is the right shape and size for your coffee machine model and you will be good to go.
3. Keep it Local
The distance your coffee has to travel to get to you can play a huge role in whether or not it is eco-friendly. Whether your coffee reaches you by ship, plane, or truck, there is quite a bit of pollution involved in the transportation process. This alone is enough for the coffee to leave behind a significant carbon footprint.
To cut down on this, look for local brands that grow and process the beans closer to you. Naturally, these beans will not have to travel nearly as far to get to a store in your town or city. As a result, it will be a great deal safer for the environment.
4. Buy Coffee Grown with Minimal Environment Impact
It is important to keep in mind that going organic isn’t just good for your body. Organic farming is safe for the environment as well. By its very definition, organic farming cuts out the use of pesticides and other harmless toxins. Thus, there is no chance for these chemicals to seep into the surrounding soil and contaminate it.
If you don’t mind taking it one step further, look for other stamps on your coffee such as Rainforest Alliance and bird-friendly. This means that the processing system is eco-friendly and that the beans are grown in a sustainable manner.
5. Have Reusable Mugs on Hand
A number of people take their coffee to go each day. This is why it is so important to take a reusable mug with you each time you leave the house. Such a practice naturally cuts down on how much waste you create. Not to mention, you also get to keep your coffee warmer for longer.
If possible, adopt this practice when getting your brew from a local coffee shop. Rather than pouring the java into a disposable cup, have it poured into a reusable mug. This, too, can make a significant impact in reducing how much waste you produce on a regular basis.
6. Compost Your Beans
Don’t ditch your used coffee grounds into your trash once you are done with them. They still have some uses. In particular, coffee grounds are excellent for both composting as well as fertilizing. So, if you have a garden, these leftovers should be going there instead.
The grounds can add nitrogen to the soil and make it easier for plants to grow in your garden. At the same time, they are a natural solution to ward off snails and slugs. There is even some evidence to suggest that grounds can prevent your cats from using your garden as a litter box. Last but not least, they can help to feed any worms in your worm bin.
If you want a guilt-free cup of java, these are the steps that you need to take. For the best possible impact, make sure to follow all these suggestions. Within no time at all, you will be able to significantly reduce the environmental impact of every cup of coffee you drink.