Photo by Mike Kenneally on Unsplash

Consumers' interest in ethically and responsibly manufactured goods has grown. Food and drinks such as coffee are included in this category. Regrettably, it is not always obvious if your coffee is ethically sourced. With so many distinct labels and terms to go through, it's understandable that people have concerns regarding the process of coffee production. 

We've taken a deeper look at this issue and provided a detailed response below.

1. Look for Certificates on Labels

It's critical to vote for sustainable ideals via your purchasing habits, even more so for an item that you use daily! The first label to pay attention to is the Fairtrade Mark, which certifies that the product complies with worldwide Fairtrade Standards. 

The Standards guarantee that farmers and employees engaged in coffee production get a consistent minimum wage and that they adhere to key International Labor Organization norms. 

Additionally, the Standards guarantee that sustainable community and environmental activities are provided and adhered to during procession.

2. Manually Brew

Manual coffee brewers defy another major obstacle to eco-friendly coffee: auto-drip coffee makers. Take a trip around your local supermarket and examine the coffeemakers. You'll notice a few things. To begin with, they are reasonably priced. Secondly, they are created inexpensively.

These coffee pots are plastic guzzlers designed to break, necessitating the production of an increasing number of them. It's a never-ending cycle of inefficient output. Manual coffee makers, on the other hand, are compact and durable. 

They are composed of few components, need little maintenance, and may last for decades.

3. Invest in a Reusable Coffee Filter or Single-Serve Pods

Avoiding single-use goods reduces waste significantly, particularly when brewing using a pod coffee maker! Finding recycling solutions for the plastic pods might be challenging. 

Utilizing reusable pods is the most environmentally responsible method to utilize a single-cup machine since it leaves just coffee grounds to compost!

4. Buy Your Coffee Beans From Ethical Sources

Not all coffee roasters are equally devoted to their profession. Some have a negligible impact on the environment. Certain individuals have an uncanny ability to regulate their footprint precisely. Reputable sources like Coffee Blenders offer their customers a delicious and eco-friendly blend of various coffee profiles, including the aromatic Guatemalan coffee taste which is sourced sustainably.

I advise you to research the procedures of your local roasters to see which ones practice effective waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Encourage such roasters to continue their efforts and pressure others to do the same.

Numerous partner farms are Rainforest Alliance Certified, a few are Rainforest And Bird Friendly Certified, and all give empowering wages to local people.

5. Support Independent Coffee Establishments 

When you're on the run and need a boost, support local companies dedicated to sustainable methods. Seek for eateries that recycle and provide metal utensils and porcelain cups. Additionally, cafes are beginning to participate in to-go cup sharing efforts. Regrettably, COVID-19 has placed many of these activities on hold, but they should restart shortly.

6. Avoid Single-Serve Cups Like the Plague

Single serving cups and pods are perhaps the most environmentally damaging type of coffee. Single-serve pods are a disaster for the environment. They are quite pricey, make subpar coffee, and detract from the complete experience of coffee.

7. Make a Grounds Donation

Not many people are aware, but when spent coffee grounds are disposed of in landfills, they produce methane, which is much more dangerous than CO2! Rather than discarding spent coffee beans, consider donating them to a local gardening center for use as a natural plant fertilizer. 

It's a step in the right direction for the environment and a method to wow customers, who said they would switch brands if something comparable supported a worthy cause.

8. Energy Conservation

Did you know there were energy-efficient espresso machines? Indeed, these marvels of technology include energy-saving modes and multi-boiler systems that maximize energy efficiency. 

However, decreasing your coffee shop's energy use does not have to end there; why not upgrade to energy-efficient solutions. They are excellent ways to reduce energy expenses and use.

Wrapping Up

While you may not believe it, the coffee business contributes significantly to hazardous emissions and non-biodegradable trash, not to mention deforestation - after all, how else are all those coffee beans grown?! Thus, in light of the present emphasis on sustainability.

 

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