The coffee business generates billions of pounds of waste each year, from disposable plastic coffee pods to paper filters for coffee machines. Here are some zero waste and reusable alternatives, for your morning cup of java.
Stainless Steel Reusable Coffee Pods
Evergreen Reusable Coffee Capsules (coupon code englandnaturallysite for 15% discount) are a one-time purchase from the USA, to replace disposable coffee pods, which are littered in their billions worldwide (and difficult to recycle due to combining plastic with aluminium).
NHS says to have 1 or less cups of coffee a day if pregnant (note chain stores usually serve coffee higher in caffeine.
Use a sink protector mat to stop coffee grounds clogging drains. Latest research says that caffeine could harm harm compost bin creatures, so just bin the bags to naturally break down at landfill.
Just one purchase could save thousands of pounds long-term, if you drink a lot of coffee (an ideal purchase for cafes, restaurants, hotels and offices).
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.
A Reusable Organic Cotton Coffee Filter
CoffeeSock is a one-time purchase, to replace single-use paper coffee filters. Made in Texas from unbleached organic cotton, these replace bleached paper filters that use millions of trees, and are often sold in plastic packaging.
Choosing reusable is not just good for the planet, but saves you money long-term, as each filter lasts a year. If you use paper filters, choose If You Care brand, which uses unbleached paper & cardboard packaging.
To use CoffeeSock, boil new filters in fresh water for 10 minutes, then add coffee and brew as instructed. Let the grounds dry in the bag for easier emptying into the bin, then rinse the bag, hang to 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. You can also buy a cold-brew coffee kit.
Manually-Operated Coffee Makers
ROK is a quality brand of manually-operated coffee makers, created by London engineers. Use with your favourite brand of coffee. These are quite expensive, but a good lifetime investment for coffee addicts or cafes, restaurants, hotels and offices.
The manual espresso maker requires no electricity or coffee pods, just create barista-level coffee using the small manual machine.
Made from high-strength metal alloy body and a plastic mid-section, it carries a 10-year warranty on metal parts and 2-year warranty on the rest, with spare parts available at reasonable cost, outside the warranty.
The kit includes everything you need including a perfectly-fitted tamp/spoon, dosing funnel and instructions. Just pour freshly-boiled water into the top, slowly pull up the arms and press down again.
The Smartshot edition includes a frother for your organic plant milk for the perfect homemade latte or cappuccino. Sold in a plastic-free gift box.