There are over 31,000 Starbucks stores worldwide. That’s a lot of paper cups being used, full of steaming hot coffee. Those paper cups could become a problem for the environment as the paper is made from trees, but now something new has risen up to replace it that has the same convenience which is coffee capsules.
You may be thinking, “No way. I can’t be smooth, caffeinated, and save the environment. Those things don’t go together.” But they do, and you won’t believe how simple it is.
We’re going to touch on how environmentally friendly coffee capsules are and how they’re better for the planet than cups and other types of coffee capsules. So, keep on reading to find out how you can help out the environment while enjoying your coffee every morning.
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The Pros and Cons of Coffee Capsules
The cons are capsules are easy to use and give you a consistent cup of coffee every time. They are convenient for busy people who don’t have time to make coffee from scratch. Capsules are less likely to result in waste than traditional methods of brewing coffee.
Cons are that capsules can be more expensive than buying coffee beans or ground coffee. They create waste that must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
It is up to you to decide if the convenience and taste are worth the environmental impact.
If you started with coffee capsules and want to switch to traditional coffee brewing, check this article on light roast coffee.
How Environmentally Friendly are Coffee Capsules?
Coffee capsules, also known as coffee pods, are single-serving coffee containers that are used with a coffee machine. Coffee capsules are made of coffee grounds and filters and are typically filled with around six to eight grams of coffee.
While coffee capsules are more convenient than traditional methods of brewing coffee, there is some debate as to how environmentally friendly they are.
On the one hand, coffee capsules are made from a renewable resource (coffee grounds) and can be recycled. However, some coffee capsules are not recyclable, and many end up in landfills.
How to Recycle Used Pods
The best way to be sure your coffee capsules are recycled is to check with your local recycling center. Some centers accept coffee capsules, while others do not. If your capsules are not accepted, there are companies who will recycle them for you.
Capsules can also be reused. Some coffee lovers use them to make cold brew coffee or iced coffee. Others use them to make DIY cleaning products.
So, are coffee capsules environmentally friendly? It depends.
If you recycle them, they are. If you throw them away, they are not. The best way to be sure is to check with your local recycling center.
Biodegradable Coffee Capsules
There are now some coffee capsule brands that are biodegradable, meaning they can be broken down by microorganisms. This is a much more sustainable option, as it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to enjoy your coffee, seek out biodegradable coffee capsules. You can find them online or at some specialty coffee shops. This is a small change that can make a big difference to the environment.
If you would like to know more about anything related to the environment and sustainability, be sure to check out our blog for more information.
