Zero Waste Coffee Brewing Methods for Excellent Coffee

As a former barista, I have spent a lot of time brewing coffee. I am also a bit of a coffee addict, and with kids at home I find myself reaching for a comforting (and invigorating) cup of joe more and more. But is coffee sustainable? Well, that depends on a lot of factors! In this post, we will focus on the brewing part of making coffee and explore a variety of zero waste coffee brewing methods. Get ready to uncover the secrets to reducing your carbon footprint without sacrificing the delightful taste and convenience of your beloved cup of liquid energy. 

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Understanding the Impact of Coffee Waste During Brewing

Zero waste coffee brewing methods aim to eliminate or drastically reduce the waste generated during the brewing process. With traditional brewing methods, single-use paper filters and plastic capsules often end up in landfills, contributing to the global waste problem. 

In addition, traditional brewing methods often produce significant amounts of coffee grounds that end up discarded. These grounds, though biodegradable, contribute to the organic waste in landfills, where they decompose without access to oxygen and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Discarded coffee grounds can be repurposed and given new life. By composting coffee grounds, we can divert organic waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil for gardens and agriculture. 

If you take your coffee with a little cream or sweetener, you should also be mindful of the waste that can accumulate from plastic containers of creamer and bags of sugar. Consider substituting with homemade oat milk and maple syrup or honey that comes in glass containers. And if you are taking your coffee on the go, don’t forget your Yeti!

5 Zero Waste Coffee Brewing Methods

I have years of barista experience from my past to help you find the method that will be best suited for you. For each method, we describe the zero waste coffee brewing solutions you can use to reduce waste and enjoy coffee made exactly the way you like.

Reusable pods

One zero waste brewing method gaining popularity is the use of reusable metal filters for single serve coffee machines, such as these designed for Keurig machines. The reusable filters, made from high-quality stainless steel or mesh, can be used repeatedly without generating any disposable waste. They are very easy to use. You put in the coffee grounds, run the machine as you usually would, and then clean out the used grounds. While I am not personally a fan of the coffee that Keurig machines tend to make, I liked it more with the reusable filter since I could use any brand of coffee, not just the ones that already produce k cups. 

French Press

Another zero waste brewing method worth exploring is the classic French press. With its simple design consisting of a cylindrical glass or metal container and a plunger with a built-in filter, the French press eliminates the need for paper filters or capsules altogether. The French press has a durable design that can last for years of use. By brewing coffee directly in the container and pressing the plunger to separate the grounds, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without generating any unnecessary waste. The down side to the French press is that they can be a pain to clean. There are multiple pieces that need to be washed after each use. 

Pour-Over

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to brewing their coffee, the pour-over method offers a zero waste solution. With a pour-over coffee maker and a reusable cloth or metal filter, you can slowly pour hot water over freshly ground coffee, allowing it to steep and extract the flavors. They not only provide a more sustainable option but also allow the natural oils and flavors of the coffee to shine, creating a fuller and richer taste experience. Pour over coffee makers are great for camping because they do not require electricity, only boiling water and coffee grounds.

Cold Brew

But what if you like your coffee cold? Enter the trendy and convenient cold brew coffee maker. With its sleek design and easy-to-use features, this reusable accessory allows you to enjoy smooth, refreshing cold brew coffee without the need for disposable filters or single-use coffee pods. Simply add coffee grounds, water, and let it steep overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a batch of delicious cold brew ready to go. As a bonus, you can also use this maker to brew iced tea. 

Espresso Machine

I may be biased, but I saved the best for last! Espresso is concentrated coffee that is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. While espresso is more concentrated, a shot of espresso has less volume than a typical cup of coffee. This means that a shot of espresso usually has less caffeine (about 64 mg) than drip coffee (80 mg) and much less than cold brew (200 mg). I used this to my advantage when pregnant and breastfeeding as I could enjoy two cups of espresso mixed with hot water and be under the 200 mg recommendation. The machine I have is a De’Longhi Dedica, and it can also steam milk to make lattes and cappuccinos. It does have plastic pieces to the machine, unfortunately, but does not produce waste other than the used coffee grounds. If properly cared for, espresso machines can last for many years. While the machines are pricey, they are much more economical over time than regularly buying a latte or cappuccino from your local coffee shop. 

By exploring these zero waste coffee brewing methods, we can not only reduce the waste generated during the brewing process but also enhance our coffee-drinking experience. It’s time to break free from the mold of wasteful habits and embark on a journey towards sustainability. Join the movement today, and together, let’s brew a better, waste-free world, one cup at a time.