International Coffee Day
Last Friday, October 1st, the world celebrated one of the most favorite beverages ever made: coffee. From their first known domesticated use in Yemen, to its worldwide fame, the drink’s evolution has produced a number of diverse variations.
I am not much of a coffee lover myself (I prefer tea) but everyone else in the family drinks it. Having established itself as a home and/or work staple, many zero-waste advocates started practicing ways through which they can enjoy coffee without putting anything to waste.
Instant coffee in sachets
The most accessible option in the market today. You can find many different varieties and sizes even at your next door neighbor’s sari-sari store, or one by the roadside in the most remote place you have visited before the pandemic.
What can you do with the sachet or foil pack after you enjoying your coffee?
- Wash clean the pack and air dry properly. Then you can collect them and drop-off at: The Plaf, Green Haven, and Green Antz Builders.
- Cut them into smaller pieces and pack them in an ecobrick.
Coffee grounds
Ever tried kapeng barako? If you haven’t, you’re surely missing out. But if you have, or if you simply prefer ground coffee over instant, did you know that you do not have to throw them away after use?
- It’s a great skin exfoliator. Some people use it with a bath oil or brown sugar and rub on their skin before a bath. I prefer them as they are and scrub my skin once a week when we have the grounds available. Just make sure to rinse off the bathroom after exfoliating as it may leave a stain.
- I’ve used them before for aroma. After pakuluan for coffee, I place the grounds in a small plate to air dry (for later use in the bath or compost) and it provides a nice sniff or two every once in a while.
- Use as a fertilizer. Coffee is rich in nitrogen and helps some (not all!) plants grow heathier and greener. Do note that it still retains acidic properties even after being brewed so best do research on which plants you can sprinkle them thinly on. Alternatively, you can add them to your compost heap or bin; earthworms love ‘em!
As for the coffee filter, a lot of the newer coffee machines come built-in with washable, re-usable ones so you won’t have to purchase the single-use ones. If it doesn’t, you can purchase re-usable filters online.
Coffee pods
One of the more popular among those on the go but still prefer a distinct, personal coffee experience are the use of coffee pods. They’re basically a barista in a pod. If you’re leaning towards using these but worried about the accumulated waste, maybe you can:
- Wash and dry the pods for donation. Some organizations accept clean and dry used coffee pods for recycling like Green Haven. Or if you are using Naspresso particularly, they actually have a pods recycling program.
- Get reusable and washable coffee pods. Though this will mean that you will need to get your ground coffee yourself and prep them each time, it’s probably a good trade-off if you think about avoiding adding more pods to the landfill.
No matter how or where you enjoy your coffee, it’s a great chance to reconnect with your inner peace before facing another hectic day at work or loads of school projects or a pile of laundry.
And, if a zero-waste practice fits your routine, #motherearththanksyou.