Coffee Notes | enjoying coffee *sustainably*
Like most people, I love coffee. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning—the smell, the process of making a good cup, and, of course, the consumption. As I’ve learned more about coffee and what goes into making my favorite beans, I’ve learned just how important sustainability is in order to keep coffee, well, sustainable.
So much effects the future of coffee. Issues like climate change effect coffee, especially specialty coffees, which normally reside at a high altitudes and are more likely to be doing things ethically. And, while it is up to companies to take on the responsibility of fair wages, ethical practices, and processes that will create the least amount of carbon and water footprint, it’s also important, as coffee lovers, to do our part too.
Here are some options we can be mindful, as coffee consumers and enthusiasts.
1. Purchase organic and fair trade coffee whenever possible
This is a big one. Coffee that has is certified as fair trade is a vital component in the equal rights movement and extremely important when it comes to the production of food (and all production of goods, for that matter). The Fair Trade Certified seal the improvement of millions of lives, by guaranteeing fair wages and prices to coffee farmers and producers. Some of the best coffee reigns from impoverished countries like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil. and Indonesia. And, while coffee is one of the biggest businesses in the world, a $100 billion dollar industry, most of the world’s coffee farmers make approximately $1 to $3 a day.
If you’re unsure where your coffee comes from, the best thing to do is ask! Either reach out to your favorite coffee company or, if available, your barista/retailer. The most important question to ask is “where does your coffee come from and under what circumstances was it produced?”
2. Use a French press or Moka pot
As both produces zero waste (if composting or repurposing grounds) and there is no need for filters. Both devices also create a strong cup of coffee, which can limit the amount of what and coffee used per day.
3. Buy local beans
While most coffee is produced outside the Western world, buying coffee from local roasters and distributors are a great low-waste, low-energy alternative, as that mean less travel time from your roaster to your favorite coffee shop.
4. Save unused coffee
This is a big one and something I thought as second nature. If I have extra coffee from my Chemex or French Press, I will pour the leftover into a mason jar, pop it into the fridge, and have iced coffee the next day. I find, as long as the coffee is put into the fridge, black, and left there till the next day, the flavor is just as fresh.
5. Reuse or recycle coffee grounds, garden fertilizer or at-home bath scrubs
Here are some links to great recipes I found for DIYs that call for repurposed used grounds!
6. Buy the coffee in bulk
This will help minimize waste. If it’s accessible, grinding beans at home helps, as the beans will stay fresh longer and, most times, you’ll be able to buy in bigger quanties. Re-using coffee bags can also be a great alternative if purchased from a bulk section of a grocery store.
7. Reusable cups
The most important thing is other’s safety and wellbeing and, due to what’s going on in the world currently, this last one may be a hard one to do at the moment. One thing I would suggest during this time is making coffee at home and using reusable cups, thermos, or even a jar if you need to take it on the go. This will reduce your contact with others, surfaces, and help keep single use cups out of the picture.
8. Stay informed
Like all industries, the coffee business and its relation to sustainability is ever-evolving. Some cafes have taken on more sustainable options, such as proposing a latte levy or creating cornstarch pods that are commercially compostable. It’s important as sustainable coffee drinkers, to keep in the know about your favorite coffee companies and cafes, and if policies or processes have changed, for the better or for the worst.