Coffee, but make it sustainable

Be kind, be thoughtful

Coffee is a luxury that we all take for granted but there's so much work that goes into every cup we drink, from the growth, the picking, the preparation, packing and shipping. We all know the process of producing coffee can have a significant impact on the environment, don't we? From deforestation to water pollution, coffee production can be detrimental to the planet if not done sustainably.

Fortunately, you don't have to be without your beans, there are steps we can take to consume coffee in a more environmentally-friendly way.

Choose Sustainable Coffee Beans

One of the best ways to consume coffee is to choose beans that are grown more sustainably. When shopping for coffee, look for labels that indicate that the beans are grown using environmentally-friendly methods. Some of the labels to look for include USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and Fairtrade Certified. These labels ensure that the coffee beans were grown using methods that are kinder to the environment and that the farmers were paid fairly for their work.

Use Reusable Coffee Filters

We're not suggesting you use your old socks, not just because of the mess but also you don't want those fibres ending up in your brew but there are material type filters which can be reused but you've to be prepared for a bit more mess. To replace Melita style filters you can check out the KF4 gold filters we've got or the stainless steel discs for the Aeropress which can be used multiple times, reducing waste.

Think about how you brew 

If you're making a batch of coffee, try and be aware of overbrewing which can leave to coffee going cold and being thrown at the end of the day. It's better to brew what you need a couple of times of day instead. The type of coffee maker you use can also impact the environment. Traditional coffee makers use a lot of energy to keep the coffee hot, while single-serve coffee makers create a lot of waste. If you're looking to consume coffee sustainably, consider using a French press or a pour-over coffee maker, both of which use less energy and create less waste.

Recycle Your Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can be used in a variety of ways around the house and garden. For example, they can be added to compost or used as fertilizer for plants (also makes your garden smell good!). 

• Compost your coffee grounds.
• Use grounds as raw fertilizer – and feed the worms.
• Grow gourmet mushrooms in your old coffee.
• Touch up furniture scratches.
• Used coffee grounds can absorb strong odours.
• Use your old grounds to deter snails, slug and cats from the garden.

Bring Your Own Cup

Finally, if you're someone who buys coffee on the go, consider bringing your own reusable cup. This can help reduce waste from disposable cups and lids, and many coffee shops even offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups. Every cup is worth saving and we'd love to hear about you doing your bit for the environment.

Consuming coffee sustainably is an important step towards protecting the environment. You can still have your daily luxury but think about how you can be kinder. By choosing sustainable coffee beans, using reusable filters, less energy consuming coffee makers, recycling coffee grounds, and bringing your own cup, you can enjoy your favorite beverage while reducing your impact on the planet. So, let's raise a cup of sustainable coffee to a healthier planet!

PS: Still looking for inspiration? Take a look at our sustainable coffee gear collection and if you need any assistance, we are happy to help! For the love of our planet.