Think your morning cup of coffee is too small to make a difference? Most Americans (56 percent) drink coffee every day, according to the National Coffee Association of USA. This volume is what makes coffee beans the world’s most-traded commodity after petroleum. It’s not difficult to green your daily jolt of caffeine, whether you brew your own or hit up your neighborhood coffee shop.
Organic, fair-trade coffee beans are widely available at grocery stores, specialty shops and coffee houses. Since coffee is a major cash crop in many developing countries, the “fair trade” certification means the farmers growing the coffee beans get paid a living wage. These products must also meet certain environmental standards.
Some coffee harvesters rely on chemical pesticides and harvesting practices that involve removing overhanging tree canopies. Stripping away these leafy habitats for migratory birds wreaks havoc on the region’s biodiversity. Coffee labeled “shade-grown” or “bird-friendly” avoids these practices.
If coffee isn’t your thing, look for organic and fair-trade tea and cocoa as well.
While at-home coffee makers are becoming increasingly high-tech, many purists are rediscovering the allure of the French press. In addition to delivering a more flavorful drink, this simple hand-pulled brewing device doesn’t need to be plugged in. In fact, it requires no energy at all — besides a bit of arm muscle.
Commercial coffee shops now have more ways to green their operations. Like traditional cleaning supplies, cleaning agents for professional-grade espresso machines are now available in greener formats. The Full Circle brand offers washes and cleansing tablets made from naturally derived ingredients.
Much like a reusable shopping bag, a washable coffee cup is a small concession that can add up to major waste reduction — and savings — over time. A plethora of travel versions exist, many made from sustainable materials.
Unbleached or washable coffee filters can also cut down on waste for at-home brewers.
Can’t kick the coffee shop habit? Bring your own coffee cup cozy and avoid the single-use cardboard sleeves. You can knit your own, or hit up craft fairs or sites like www.etsy.com to find a stylish handmade version.
Can you recycle disposable coffee cups?
The short answer: It depends on the city. And the cup. A few advanced municipal recycling programs are able to handle the cups with their slick inside coating. Some coffee shops offer recyclable and even compostable take-away cups for patrons, although these are more expensive. Ask your local coffee shop about recycling options. Better yet, bring your own cup. Many places offer a modest discount (usually about 10 cents) for patrons who BYOC.