How to make coffee consumption more sustainable

Which coffee is the most sustainable?

The most sustainable coffee format is definitely artisanal coffee beans. Bulk beans, purchased from local roasters or directly from producer cooperatives, are definitely the most eco-friendly choice.

As for capsules and coffee pods made of biodegradable material or recyclable aluminium, they are certainly a convenient alternative to coffee beans for those seeking convenience, but their environmental impact is higher and their cost higher.

Let us then remember to pay attention to the packaging of the coffee we buy. Recyclable or compostable packaging further reduces the environmental impact of coffee consumption.

Pay attention to the origin of coffee

If we want to be sure of the quality of the coffee we buy, we should opt for coffee bean blends created by artisanal coffee roasters, who carefully select the origins of the beans used, opting for the finest ones and guaranteeing the excellence of the final product.

What can we do to make coffee consumption more sustainable?

Once you have chosen to buy sustainable coffee beans, the journey does not stop there. The way you prepare and enjoy it can contribute to your eco-friendly lifestyle: from choosing environmentally friendly coffee preparation methods to properly storing the beans and pairing them with sustainable food choices.

Eco-friendly coffee preparation methods

You have probably never thought about it, but some coffee preparation methods have less impact on the environment than others, while still guaranteeing delicious flavour.

Here are some possibilities for preparing sustainable coffee at home:

• French Press: it is a manual brewing method that does not require electricity or paper filters, making it an excellent option in terms of eco-sustainability. All you need is coffee, hot water and a little time.
• Filter coffee: this method is also manual and does not require electricity. However, a paper filter is usually used. To make this method more sustainable, we recommend using a reusable metal or cloth filter.
• Moka coffee maker: the moka coffee maker, as we know, does not require a filter, but does require a source of energy to reach the right temperature.
• Reusable pods: if you are a fan of espresso coffee, you have a few options, including the use of reusable pods. These pods can be filled with your chosen coffee and used several times with suitable machines, reducing waste compared to disposable pods.
• Super-automatic coffee machines: these are machines that use roasted coffee beans. The grinding takes place instantaneously, and espresso coffee is brewed in seconds. These machines have low consumption and a long service life, making them a more sustainable choice over time than capsule coffee machines.
• Semi-professional machines: the smaller ‘sisters’ of the coffee bar machines have only one brewing unit and require the use of an external coffee grinder. Compared to the super-automatic machines, they are even more durable and easier to repair. Moreover, the quality of the extraction is almost perfect!

Storing coffee the right way to reduce waste

Proper coffee storage not only maintains the quality and flavour of the beans, but can contribute to sustainability by reducing waste.

Here are some practical tips on storing coffee beans:

• Buy quality whole beans: whole beans keep fresh longer than ground coffee. By grinding coffee just before preparing it, you can extend its shelf life and reduce waste.
• Opt for one-kilo packs of coffee, instead of small ones. Not only are they often cheaper, but they use less packaging material. For convenience, you can divide your coffee at home into portions and put them in reusable containers.
• Store coffee in a cool, dark place: heat, light and air can degrade the quality of coffee. Store coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry.
• Avoid the refrigerator or freezer: despite popular belief, storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer damages the taste. Changes in temperature can cause condensation, which is bad for the beans.

Find out more tips on how to store coffee beans correctly..

Combining coffee with sustainable food choices

To complete your sustainable coffee experience, you can consider pairing it with eco-friendly food choices. This could mean opting for locally sourced pastries, choosing organic fruit or making your own desserts with sustainably produced ingredients.

You might also consider exploring plant-based milk alternatives for your coffee, such as soy, almond or oat milk, which usually have less environmental impact than animal milk.

A cup of coffee for the future

Every cup of sustainable coffee is a step towards a better future. It is not just an everyday gesture, but a concrete contribution to the preservation of our planet.

So, what do you say? Will your next coffee be the start of a bigger change?

Discover now our proposals for a sustainable taste experience