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Eco-Friendly Coffee: Sustainable Habits You Can Start Today
Coffee is an essential part of everyday life.
Did you know that every cup of coffee actually has a significant impact on the global environment?
There are many environmental issues lurking behind the coffee we drink every day, such as the increase in disposable cups and plastic waste, and the burden on the natural environment caused by coffee cultivation.
However, it doesn't have to be difficult. With a little ingenuity and a change in mindset, you can achieve an eco-friendly coffee lifestyle.
In this article, we'll introduce some sustainable coffee habits that anyone can adopt today.
Make it a habit to carry your own tumbler
Most takeaway coffee is served in paper or plastic cups.
According to a survey by the Ministry of the Environment, it is estimated that more than 4 billion disposable cups are consumed in Japan each year, which is currently leading to an increase in waste and a waste of resources.
What we would like to draw your attention to is bringing your own tumbler .
Using your favorite tumbler will help you reduce the use of disposable containers and also provide excellent heat and cold retention, allowing you to enjoy your coffee in comfort.
Recently, there has been an increase in lightweight, foldable, and stylishly designed tumblers, making them attractive as a way to choose one based on fashion.
Some cafes even offer discounts if you bring your own tumbler, a habit that's good for the environment and your wallet.
Reuse coffee grounds to conserve resources
"Coffee grounds" are what remain after brewing coffee at home.
Many people may just throw it in the trash, but it's actually a convenient material that can be reused.
For example, it can be used as a deodorizer .
Simply pack dried coffee grounds into a cloth or paper bag and place it in a shoebox or refrigerator to absorb any unpleasant odors.
It is also recommended to compost it by mixing it with the soil for your home vegetable garden or ornamental plants .
Coffee grounds are said to stimulate the activity of microorganisms in the soil and help plants grow.
However, excessive use can disrupt the soil balance, so we recommend trying it in small amounts or composting it thoroughly before use.
Recently, products using coffee grounds (such as stationery and miscellaneous goods) have appeared, and their value as an upcycled material is being rediscovered.
By adopting the mindset of "making use of things instead of throwing them away," your coffee time will be even more fulfilling.
Sustainable choices start with bean selection
If you want to enjoy coffee in a more environmentally friendly way, be mindful of the coffee beans you choose .
Certified organic beans are grown with minimal use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which means they place less strain on soil and water resources.
In addition, fair trade certified beans are traded with consideration for the working conditions and livelihood of producers, making them a socially meaningful choice.
Furthermore, in recent years, an increasing number of brands are adopting environmentally friendly packaging made from biomass materials and recycled paper , and this is becoming a new criterion when selecting products.
In addition to your favorite flavors and aromas, paying attention to how a product is made will naturally broaden your choices to be more sustainable.
Reduce waste with reusable items
Many of the items commonly used in cafes, such as straws and cup sleeves, are actually disposable and only used once.
Simply switching these items to reusable ones can have a huge environmental impact.
For example, carrying metal or bamboo straws and fabric cup holders can help reduce waste.
Another way to cut down on the number of times you order takeout is to make more coffee at home.
Although it may be a small action, thinking about what to use and how to use it in your daily life is the first step towards a sustainable lifestyle.
summary: Small steps can change the future
When you hear about eco-friendly initiatives, they might seem a little intimidating.
However, using your own tumbler, reusing coffee grounds, choosing environmentally friendly beans...
The accumulation of these small actions will have a big impact on the Earth.
Savoring coffee more deeply and enjoying it carefully naturally leads to being eco-friendly.
That may be the essence of an environmentally friendly coffee lifestyle.
Why not start doing what you can today?
That cup will surely change your life and the future of the Earth, little by little.
