13 Best Sustainable Ways to Make Your Coffee

crazy by Editorial Staff | Posted on March 13th, 2023
making coffee with a moka pot

Coffee is a staple for many of us; starting the day with a freshly brewed cup sets the tone for the day.


However, it’s not just about the caffeine boost or its rich aroma; we must also be mindful of sustainable practices while brewing our coffee.

From selecting the right ingredients to choosing ethical brands and using eco-friendly equipment and techniques, there are several ways to make coffee that benefit us and the environment.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best sustainable ways to make coffee that you can easily adopt in your daily routine.

So, join us as we dive deeper into mindful brewing and discover how you can enjoy your cup of java without negatively impacting our planet.

Ditch single-serve cups and brew coffee for a more eco-friendly routine

To make your coffee routine more eco-friendly, start by ditching single-serve cups and brewing your coffee at home. Single-use paper cups and plastic pods are convenient but have a high environmental cost.

By brewing your coffee, you can reduce waste and save money in the long run. You can also experiment with different brewing methods to find the one that suits your taste and sustainability preferences.

Whether you prefer a French press, a moka pot, or a classic drip coffee maker, eco-friendly options can help you enjoy a delicious and sustainable cup of coffee every morning.

Use a French press or moka pot instead of electric coffee makers to reduce carbon emissions

Using a French press or moka pot instead of electric coffee makers can significantly reduce carbon emissions, making it a more sustainable way to brew coffee.

French press coffee makers are one of the most straightforward ways to brew zero-waste coffee, as no filters are involved, and the grounds can be composted or reused for cleaning. Moka pots use a pressure-based system that requires fewer coffee grounds per cup, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

These traditional methods reduce waste and carbon emissions and provide a more flavorful and authentic coffee experience.

By choosing a French press or moka pot over an electric coffee maker, individuals can make small but impactful changes to their coffee routine, supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Here are a few more ways to make coffee without electricity.

Turn off the coffee machine after use to save energy

Not only is turning off the coffee machine after use a great way to conserve energy, but it also helps extend the machine’s life. 

Leaving the machine on for extended periods can cause wear and tear on the heating element and other internal components, leading to breakdowns and expensive repairs. By simply turning off the machine after each use, you can help prolong its lifespan and save money in the long run. 

Additionally, reducing energy usage helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a more sustainable future. It may seem like a small action, but small steps toward conservation can collectively make a big impact. So, don’t forget to switch off your coffee machine and join the effort to create a greener world.

Steeped coffee bags are an up-and-coming method for brewing coffee that is easy to use and dispose of

Another sustainable way to make coffee is by using steeped coffee bags, which are becoming increasingly popular.

Like tea bags, steeped coffee bags make it incredibly easy to brew a perfect cup of coffee anywhere in minutes. You only need to drop the bag in hot water and let it steep.

Additionally, they are disposable and plastic-free, making them much more eco-friendly than traditional single-use coffee pods. Steeped coffee bags offer convenience and quality in one package, making them an excellent option for people who want to enjoy a sustainable cup of joe without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

Use reusable or biodegradable coffee filters instead of single-use ones

Using reusable or biodegradable filters is a great option to make your morning coffee more eco-friendly. Single-use filters contribute to unnecessary waste in landfills, whereas reusable filters can last for years, reducing your overall carbon footprint.

Opt for durable and well-made coffee brewers that can accommodate reusable filters. If you prefer the convenience of single-use filters, consider using biodegradable ones made from bamboo or paper.

These little changes to your routine will make you one step closer to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Opt for a durable coffee brewer mostly made of sustainable materials

Choosing a durable coffee brewer made of sustainable materials is important regarding eco-friendly coffee brewing. Not only will this keep your coffee routine sustainable, but it will also save you money in the long run.

Look for coffee brewers made of stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and steer clear of plastic as much as possible. Investing in a sustainable coffee brewer will be better for the planet and make your coffee taste better without the risk of leaching chemicals from plastic or other harmful materials.

So why not try a French press or a pour-over coffee maker made of stainless steel or glass? By choosing a sustainable and durable coffee brewer, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while positively impacting the environment.

Instant coffee is the most sustainable method of coffee preparation when following instructions

As mentioned earlier, one of the best sustainable ways to make coffee is to ditch single-serve cups and brew coffee.

However, if you’re looking for the most sustainable method of coffee preparation, Instant coffee might be a great option. A recent study found that instant coffee can be the most sustainable method of coffee preparation when the instructions are followed.

This is because instant coffee extracts a lot from the bean and uses less coffee per cup. By choosing instant coffee, you can reduce your coffee’s carbon footprint and decrease the amount of coffee waste produced.

Instant coffee can be a convenient and time-saving option for busy mornings. Check the instructions before preparing instant coffee for a more sustainable routine.

Purchase coffee in bulk, which reduces packaging waste

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce packaging waste in your coffee consumption is to purchase coffee in bulk.

Instead of purchasing individual coffee bags or pods, consider buying a larger bag or container of coffee grounds or beans. This will reduce the packaging waste you generate and save you money in the long run.

Bulk coffee is often sold in paper bags or cardboard containers, which are much easier to recycle than plastic coffee bags or single-use coffee pods. By opting for bulk coffee, you are making a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize your environmental impact.

Additionally, buying coffee in bulk allows you to control the amount of coffee you use per cup or pot, reducing the likelihood of waste. You can also experiment with different coffee blends and roasts, as bulk coffee is often available in a wider range of varieties than single-serve options.

Support local coffee businesses for a more sustainable choice when possible

Supporting local coffee businesses is not only a great way to keep money within the community, but it is also an eco-friendly choice. Local coffee shops often source their beans from nearby farms, reducing the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.

Additionally, supporting local businesses can help to reduce packaging waste, as many shops offer coffee refills in reusable containers. By supporting a local coffee business, individuals can help promote sustainability in their community while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. It’s a win-win situation!

Brew only the coffee you need to prevent wasting water and energy

To be more eco-friendly, it’s important only to brew the coffee you need. This helps prevent wasting water and energy, which can increase over time. It’s easy to get carried away with making extra coffee, especially if you have a larger coffee maker or are brewing for multiple people.

But you can reduce your environmental impact by being mindful of how much you make. Plus, this helps save you money in the long run by only using the amount of coffee you need instead of wasting grounds or pouring out extra.

So, next time you make coffee, try to be intentional about the amount you’re brewing and see how much water and energy you can save.

Use a reusable coffee cup, such as a travel mug, when on the go.

Like a travel mug, a reusable coffee cup is an easy and effective way to reduce waste and decrease environmental impact. Instead of using disposable cups that end up in landfills and oceans, investing in reusable cups can save you money in the long run and help protect the planet. 

Many coffee shops even offer discounts for customers who bring their cups. Additionally, a travel mug can keep your hot beverages at the perfect temperature for longer periods and prevent spills, making it a convenient choice. So next time you grab your morning caffeine fix, consider bringing your reusable cup!

Choose organic and fair trade coffee beans to support environmentally and socially responsible farming practices

When it comes to sustainable coffee, choosing organic and fair-trade coffee beans is crucial in supporting environmentally and socially responsible farming practices.

By opting for these certifications, consumers can ensure that their coffee beans are grown using eco-friendly farming methods that prioritize soil health and biodiversity.

Additionally, fair trade practices guarantee that farmers are paid fairly for their labor and that working conditions are safe and humane.

Recycle used coffee grounds by composting them or using them as a natural fertilizer.

Coffee grounds are one household item that many of us do not think much about. However, they can be a valuable resource for the garden, and here are some ways to recycle used coffee grounds:

  • Composting: Coffee grounds are a great addition to compost piles, as they are rich in nitrogen, one of the essential nutrients that plants need to grow. Simply add the used coffee grounds to your compost pile and other organic materials, like leaves, kitchen scraps, and grass clippings.
  • Fertilizing: Coffee grounds can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants that love acidic soil, such as roses, azaleas, and blueberries. To use coffee grounds as a fertilizer, spread them evenly around the base of the plant or mix them into the soil.
  • Repelling pests: Coffee grounds are also great for keeping pests at bay. For example, scattering coffee grounds around the base of your plants can help repel slugs and snails, as they do not like the texture or the caffeine content. You can also burn coffee grounds for mosquitos.
  • Soaking: You can also soak coffee grounds in water to create a liquid fertilizer, which is great for plants that need a quick boost. To make the liquid fertilizer, add the used coffee grounds to a bucket of water and let it steep for a few days, then strain the liquid and pour it into your plant’s soil.

Recycling used coffee grounds is not only good for your garden but also good for the environment because it reduces waste. So, the next time you make coffee, think twice before throwing away the used grounds and consider how to use them in the garden.

Check out more ways to reuse your coffee grounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing organic and fair-trade coffee beans is beneficial for the environment and the farmers who grow them. As consumers, we can support ethical farming practices and contribute to a more sustainable future by making this simple choice. Let’s raise our cups to a better world, one fair-trade and organic coffee bean at a time.

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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.