Best Way to Make Coffee for the Environment
Coffee is an essential part of daily life for millions of people, but have you ever considered its environmental impact? Every single step of making a cup of coffee affects the environment in some way. From the way coffee is grown to how it’s brewed, each step in the process can contribute to waste, carbon emissions, and cause deforestation. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy your morning cup while making sustainable choices. Here’s a guide to the best ways to make coffee that’s better for the environment.
Choose Sustainable Coffee Beans
The first step in brewing eco-friendly coffee starts with the beans themselves. Most coffee suppliers that are worth buying from have at least some level of transparency as to where their beans come from.
Look for coffee that is:
- Shade-Grown: Traditional coffee farming often leads to deforestation, but shade-grown coffee preserves natural habitats by allowing trees to remain intact.
- Organic: Organic coffee is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which reduces chemical runoff into water sources.
- Fair Trade or Direct Trade: Supporting ethical sourcing ensures that farmers are paid fairly and use environmentally responsible practices.
- Carbon-Neutral or Regeneratively Farmed: Some coffee brands go the extra mile by offsetting carbon emissions or using regenerative agriculture to improve soil health.
Where to Buy Sustainable Coffee:
- Look for certifications like Rainforest Alliance, Bird-Friendly, and Fair Trade on packaging.
- Consider purchasing from small-batch roasters (like us!) that prioritize transparency in their sourcing.
Brew Coffee Without Creating Waste and Avoid Single-Use Coffee Pods:
Single-use plastic coffee pods create massive amounts of waste. If you have a pod-based machine, switch to:
- Reusable pods filled with freshly ground coffee.
- Compostable pods made from biodegradable materials.
Use a Manual Brewing Method:
Some brewing methods generate less waste and require no electricity:
- French Press: No paper filters, just hot water and coffee grounds.
- Pour-Over (with Reusable Filter): Opt for metal or cloth filters instead of paper.
- Moka Pot: Uses just water and coffee, no additional waste.
- AeroPress (with Reusable Metal Filter): A compact and efficient brewing method that can be used with a stainless steel filter.
- Eco-Friendly Coffee Makers: If you prefer an automatic machine, look for energy-efficient models with reusable filters and automatic shut-off features to reduce electricity use.
Use Water Wisely
This seems to be a huge topic that is coming up lately as we see some of the negative affects that a shortage of water can happen. Many people don’t realize how much water is wasted when brewing coffee. Here’s how to be more mindful:
- Only heat the water you need – Avoid excess energy consumption by boiling just enough for your brew.
- Use filtered tap water instead of bottled water to cut down on plastic waste.
- Reuse water where possible – If you rinse coffee equipment, use the water for plants instead of letting it go to waste.
Choose Sustainable Milk & Sweeteners
If you add milk or sugar to your coffee, making sustainable choices can further reduce your footprint.
Best Milk Options:
- Oat milk – Low water usage and emissions compared to almond and dairy.
- Soy milk – A protein-rich plant-based alternative with a moderate environmental impact.
- Local dairy – If you drink cow’s milk, choose organic and locally sourced options to reduce emissions.
Best Sweetener Options:
- Organic cane sugar – Look for Fair Trade and minimally processed options.
- Local honey or maple syrup – Lower processing and transportation impact.
- Stevia or monk fruit – Plant-based, natural alternatives with minimal footprint.
Compost Coffee Grounds Instead of Throwing Them Away
Used coffee grounds can be repurposed instead of sent to landfills. Here are some ways to put them to good use:
- Compost them – Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them great for soil health.
- Repel pests – Sprinkle used grounds around plants to deter slugs and ants.
Avoid dumping coffee grounds down the drain, as they can clog pipes and cause plumbing issues. This would make your cup of coffee in the morning a LOOOOT more expensive.
Choose Eco-Friendly Coffee Cups & Mugs
If you frequently buy coffee on the go, disposable cups create significant waste. Instead, consider:
- A Reusable Travel Mug – Stainless steel or glass cups help reduce single-use cup waste.
- Bringing Your Own Cup – Many coffee shops offer discounts for bringing a personal mug.
- Choosing Compostable Cups – If you must use a disposable cup, look for compostable or recyclable options.
Support Sustainable Coffee Brands & Local Roasters
This one is a little self serving, but the brands you buy from make a big difference. Large-scale industrial coffee farming is linked to deforestation, water waste, and unfair labor practices. Supporting small-batch, ethical coffee roasters ensures that your coffee is sourced responsibly.
Look for brands that:
- Prioritize transparency with their sourcing.
- Roast coffee in small batches for freshness and lower waste.
- Give back to environmental causes, like 1% for the Planet initiatives.
Small Changes Make a Big Impact
Making coffee more sustainable doesn’t require giving up your favorite brew—it’s about making smarter choices at every step. By choosing responsibly sourced beans, brewing with eco-friendly methods, and minimizing waste, you can reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying great coffee.