How to Be a Sustainable Coffee Drinker If you are a coffee drinker, you’ve probably wondered how to be more sustainable coffee drinker. You can choose to buy Fair Trade coffee or switch to oat milk, and you can even compost the coffee grounds. But how do you know which coffee shop is most sustainable? Here are some tips that will help you make better decisions. And most importantly, don’t forget to choose a reusable coffee mug!
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Fairtrade coffee As a coffee drinker, it’s worth paying attention to whether or not you buy Fair Trade coffee. Buying Fair Trade coffee will help you support disadvantaged farmers, as it guarantees that the prices you pay are higher than what you’d get from the average retail store.
The certification also ensures that you’re helping a sustainable social enterprise. Fair Trade organisations certify coffee by nine fair trade principles, including the need to pay a minimum price to farmers. Fair Trade coffee is grown with care in safe environments for workers and free from violence. Fair Trade coffee farms also don’t use physical or child labour.
Additionally, coffee farmers are on the frontlines of climate change, and the unpredictable effects of global warming threaten their livelihoods. Despite this, consumers are increasingly choosing Fair Trade over cheaper alternatives. Fortunately, you can choose a sustainable coffee drinker that makes an effort to support these farmers. One of the most important aspects of Fair Trade is its transparency.
Fair Trade coffee producers receive a 20 cent price per pound, which they invest in their communities. This money supports community development initiatives and helps the farmers earn more income. Some coffee connoisseurs even swear by the taste. So, while the price is slightly higher, you’re still doing a good thing. Ultimately, it’s worth it to support a more sustainable coffee industry.
While many products carry certifications, it’s essential to learn about the principles behind each. Generally, most certifications enforce corporate accountability. B Corporations, for example, are one of the more established certifications. Others are a bit nebulous in their definition. Regardless of the certification, consumers should research the ethical and social practices of the companies behind each one before purchasing a cup.
Composting coffee grounds Did you know that you can compost your coffee grounds to be a sustainable and carbon-neutral coffee drinker? Coffee grounds are a massive contributor to landfill methane and carbon emissions. Zero waste coffee starts with coffee beans and packaging. Consider composting your coffee grounds to become a more sustainable coffee drinker. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
First of all, coffee grounds contain a lot of moisture and need to be disposed of properly. You can either dispose of them in a compost bin or use them as fertiliser in a garden. If you do not have a compost bin, you can always donate them to local gardening groups. However, if you don’t have a compost bin, you can store your coffee grounds in the freezer until they are composted. Second, coffee grounds are a valuable organic resource.
They are high in nitrogen and water-soluble. Most of the acid in coffee is found in the coffee, making them suitable for use in a compost bin.
By turning them into valuable products, you’ll reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Used coffee grounds can be used in creams, scrubs, furniture, and accessories. They can even improve the soil’s structure and absorb heavy metals. That’s why it’s a great way to become a sustainable coffee drinker. But it doesn’t stop there.
Switching to oat milk
Switching to oat milk is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying a tasty cup of Joe. Its high iron content helps fight cholesterol, and it’s naturally sweet and great for frothing. Switching to oat milk also helps you stay healthy and is great for those concerned about their health. And it’s good for you, too. The switch to oat milk was a big deal last Spring when the city of New York ran out of it.
This was a problem not just in New York but in the whole country, as Oatly, Swedish plant-based milk, quickly gained popularity. The demand grew so fast that it had to increase its production by 1,250%. However, the company couldn’t meet the high demand and faced a shortage of their product. While there is nothing inherently wrong with drinking oat milk in your coffee, it is not recommended. Oat milk is an excellent substitute for cow’s milk, and it is almost identical in taste and texture.
Moreover, it can add creaminess and reduce the bitterness of your coffee. And some companies are now making ready-to-drink coffee with oat milk, making it easy for those who want to stay sustainable. Some companies are already experimenting with using oat milk as the default choice for non-black coffees to reduce their carbon footprint. The move is part of a more considerable company-wide effort to become more sustainable.
Blue Bottle Coffee, for example, recently launched a trial in three California locations. After three months, Blue Bottle cafe customers ordered 8 per cent less cow’s milk, and seventy per cent of milk-based beverage orders called for plant-based kinds of milk.
Choosing a reusable mug Choosing a reusable coffee mug for your daily cup of Joe is an excellent way to help protect the state of your coffee while promoting sustainability. The reusable coffee mug replicates the functionality of industry-standard single-use coffee cups and ensures optimal liquid flow. In addition, it is durable and budget-friendly. And, because it replicates the functionality of disposable coffee cups, it is perfect for the serious coffee drinker.
The reusable coffee mugs from Simple Modern can be used to replace disposable cups. These mugs are designed to fit in car cup holders. They’re also easy to carry and ensure a hassle-free coffee drinking experience. You can choose from different colours to match your style and decor. In addition, they are durable and come in various patterns and ombre designs. These reusable coffee mugs are non-toxic materials and will not harm your coffee.
Additionally, reusable coffee mugs will reduce your single-use plastic waste. These cups are also made from high-quality stainless steel to maintain the temperature of your drink. The double-walled vacuum-sealed insulation ensures that hot drinks stay hot for hours. The reusable mugs are also designed to last a lifetime. The reusable coffee mugs you choose are excellent for the environmentally-conscious coffee drinker.
They reduce the amount of waste generated by coffee cups by more than half compared to disposable ones. In addition to their environmental benefits, reusable coffee cups can save you money. Many high-street coffee chains offer discounts to customers who use reusable coffee mugs. If you want to be a sustainable coffee drinker, you can choose a leak-proof travel mug.
Supporting small-scale farmers As a coffee drinker, you can make a difference in the lives of small-scale coffee farmers. For example, the Better World Beans initiative supports small-scale farmers in developing countries by supporting more resilient and environmentally friendly agriculture. Using biodiversity as a tool for sustainable agriculture, these farmers can plant food crops alongside coffee. This practice is critical in the coffee-growing regions of Honduras.
While more open trade arrangements create new opportunities for production and sales, they also introduce new constraints and challenges to small-scale farmers. The most vulnerable segment of the coffee farming community is migrant labourers, who often do not own land. Fairtrade laws often do not protect these workers because they cannot form cooperatives. Their livelihoods depend on coffee and tea exports.
But even with the new opportunities, these farmers are often forced to continue making coffee and tea. The growing popularity of coffee has led to massive environmental and social costs. Coffee destroys rainforests and endangers small-scale farmers’ livelihoods, but it’s also causing substantial environmental impacts. As a result, the National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant totalling £979,720 to research the sustainable production of Honduran coffee.
The project team includes David King, professor of environmental conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Timothy Randhir, head of the USDA’s Northern Research Station. The two scientists will collaborate to improve coffee production practices and improve the livelihoods of small-scale coffee farmers. While the coffee market is heading towards ethical certification, the supply chains remain fragmented.
Most coffee brands do not carry ethical labels, and some middlemen add value and support. But the benefits of supporting small-scale farmers go far beyond fair trade prices, as environmental and social issues are woven into the process. As a coffee drinker, it’s worth thinking about these factors to make a difference.
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