Zero waste coffee isn’t as time consuming at you may think. It also tastes better in my opinion since it’s fresh.
If you use coffee capsules, such as Keurig, and don’t want to change to a more zero waste option, please consider offsetting the single use disposable item by purchasing a Coffee Capsules – Zero Waste Box™ from TerraCycle. The box will be lighter if you let the capsules dry out first.
Keurig does sell a Reducing your plastic use doesn’t have to mean limiting your coffee consumption, but it does mean giving up single-use coffee cups. Most disposable coffee cups are made with a plastic-based coating that holds liquid and insulates the cup, which means it can’t be recycled or composted. Instead, opt to bring your own travel mug or cup to get your daily fix. Many coffee shops even offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups. And while you are slurping down your favorite beverage, don’t forget to refuse a straw or bring your own reusable or compostable one. Many reusable to-go coffee cups are still plastic, or at least the lid is. Think about what is important to you and try to purchase a durable cup that fits your needs, and environmental and health goals. Also remember to consider if you will be using it in the car, if it will fit in the car holder, and if it needs to have a sealed lid to go in your bag. I’ll write a separate post on reusable drinking vessels. Please keep in mind the main tenant of zero waste. Please try and use items until they wear out (pending health concerns of course), repair/replace if you can, then try to buy second hand. After all those attempts, then purchase new products. In our house we make drip coffee in the Chemex filters come in “>standard white. The box is 100% paper and recyclable. There’s not even tape! The filters are compostable with the coffee grounds.
