Zero Waste Coffee Filters, Pods and Makers

evergreen coffee pod kit

Evergreen Capsules (use code englandnaturallysite for 15% discount) is a USA company that offers one-time purchase of reusable stainless steel coffee pods, that last forever. No more disposable coffee pods to clog up landfills. Use with your sustainable coffee brand.

When rinsing out coffee pots, use a sink protector mat, to stop coffee grounds clogging up sinks. Avoid caffeine for pregnancy/nursing. Just bin used coffee granules (and tea leaves) to break down naturally, as caffeine could harm compost creatures. 

Coffee pods are now littered in their billions worldwide, and difficult to recycle, due to combining plastic with aluminium. Your machine will not lose its warranty if switching to these capsules, as they are designed to complement each brand.

To use, just fill, tamp (include a tamper with your order) and close. Sold in a variety of styles to complement all coffee makers, this company has almost 100,000 happy customers who have saved up to 85% on their coffee, and produced zero waste with it.

It takes just 20 seconds to make a cup of coffee using these capsules. And as a one-time purchase, you’ll save up to £20,000 during its lifetime, over disposable pods.

An Organic Cotton Reusable Coffee Filter

CoffeeSock

CoffeeSock is a one-time purchase from the US, to replace single-use bleached paper coffee filters. Made in Texas from unbleached organic cotton.

To use CoffeeSock, boil new filters in fresh water for 10 minutes, then add coffee and brew as instructed. Let grounds dry in the bag for easier emptying into the bin, then rinse and dry.

Every few weeks, boil in fresh water for 10 minutes to remove coffee oils, adding 1 teaspoon of baking soda to remove stains. After around 1 year, cut up and add to compost bin.

If you use paper filters, choose If You Care brand, which uses unbleached paper & cardboard packaging.

Wonky Coffee (recycled aluminium coffee pods)

wonky coffee

Coffee pods are everywhere, but most of them end up in the bin. In England, Wonky Coffee is doing something about that. Their recycled pods are helping people sip smarter while cutting waste.

wonky coffee

The Rescued Coffee Pods cost around 50% less. Choose from a flavoured ‘dip’ or a box of decaff coffee pods.

wonky instant coffee

Wonky Instant Coffee is sold in glass jars, for quality rescued coffee at lower price (again 50% less, works out at around 2p a cup). This is a barista-grade instant, so strong enough for a good cup of coffee. You can easily recycle the glass jar, and plastic lid.

ROK Manual Coffee Makers (from London)

manual espresso maker

Fresh espresso without plugs or noise feels like a little daily win. ROK Manual Coffee Makers deliver that feeling, using only hot water and ground coffee. No cables. No warm-up time. Just you, the machine, and a cup that tastes right.

Built in London since 2008, ROK is a hands-on tool for people who love coffee, not gimmicks. It suits home kitchens that value space and style, and it fits busy counters in cafés or hotel bars where speed and reliability matter.

How to Brew Perfect Espresso 

manual coffee grinder

Good espresso starts with the basics. Fresh beans, the right grind, hot water, and a steady press. ROK makes the rest straightforward.

Step by step:

  1. Grind your coffee fine. Aim for a texture a little finer than table salt.
  2. Dose and tamp. Use the basket dose that suits your model, tamp level and firm.
  3. Heat water to about 90°C. Boiling water can scorch the coffee; a short wait after the boil helps.
  4. Preheat. Warm the portafilter and body with hot water for temperature stability.
  5. Load the basket and lock in. Set the machine over your cup.
  6. Raise the arms to draw water into the chamber, then press down slowly. Aim for a 25 to 35 second shot.
  7. Adjust pressure with your hands. A steadier press usually yields a sweeter, more even extraction.

Tips for better results:

  • Use fresh beans and grind just before brewing. Stale coffee tastes flat.
  • If the shot is sour and fast, grind finer. If it is bitter and slow, grind coarser.
  • Keep water near 90°C. Too hot can taste harsh, too cool can taste weak.
  • Preheat tools. Warm metal keeps your brew temperature stable.
  • Try a short pre-infusion. Raise arms to wet the puck, pause a moment, then press.

Common mistakes and simple fixes:

  • Spurting. Tamp more evenly and check for a level bed.
  • Thin crema. Adjust grind finer and check freshness of beans.
  • Inconsistent shots. Keep your press speed steady and repeatable.

Similar Posts