Our Guide to Create Zero Waste Coffee from Start to Finish

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the Middle East. It has become part of the daily routine in most households and offices. The only problem is that this delicious, rejuvenating drink has its fair share of negative impacts on the environment – such as deforestation to make room for bean production and plastic pollution due to the use of single-use cups and packaging.

The good news, however, is that many countries, including the UAE, are introducing new policies and solutions to combat pollution and environmental degradation. At the same time, many companies, like Recapp, are introducing innovative waste recycling and management services to tackle this growing problem.

However, there are many ways consumers can get in on the action too, and make changes from the top to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. One of the best ways to reduce the impact of coffee is by tweaking your brewing routine to produce minimal waste without compromising on quality.

In this post, we’ll share a simple guide to creating sustainable coffee using simple eco-friendly solutions, such as a zero-waste coffee grinder. So, keep reading to protect the environment while satisfying your tastebuds.

1. Buy Low-Waste, Local, and Eco-Friendly Coffee Beans in UAE

A great cup of coffee requires two essential ingredients: coffee beans and water. While you can opt for hundreds of brands in the market, we recommend doing some research and looking for brands with eco-friendly production methods, biodegradable packaging, and minimal chemical use. Popular sustainable coffee brands in the UAE include Coffee Planet, Nescafe,  Arabica Coffee Beans, etc.

2. Opt for Sugar-Free or Alternative Sweeteners

Most coffee connoisseurs love to add sugar to their coffee. Unfortunately, white sugar typically comes from sugarcane farming, contributing to habitat loss, fertilizer damage, and water shortage. Therefore, going sugar-free is another excellent way to enjoy sustainable coffee while improving your overall health.

If you have a sweet tooth, you can choose different cane sugar alternatives, such as date sugar or honey. Dates are commonly found in the Middle East and don’t require a lot of processing or chemicals to convert into sugar.

3. Buy a Zero Waste Coffee Grinder

The problem with traditional coffee grinders is low efficiency. They’re susceptible to jamming and uneven grinding, among other issues. Moreover, older electric options have a higher carbon footprint due to more energy consumption caused by heavy wiring and inefficient motors. As a result, zero-waste coffee grinders (manual and electric) are becoming incredibly popular options.

Modern hand-crank options don’t use electricity and can handle rigorous use, meaning they’re more durable than their conventional counterparts.

4. Stainless or Ceramic Steel Filters

Coffee filters are among the most important brewing accessories that trap coffee grounds and allow liquid coffee to pass through. Traditionally, these filters are made of single-use plastic. Therefore, many consumers and companies have switched to paper or cotton filters. However, these options also have a relatively high footprint due to deforestation and chemical processes.

So, if you’re looking to go one step further, you can switch to stainless steel or ceramic filters that can be used repeatedly for years, as long as you take proper care of them. Plus, they can save you a lot of money in the long run.

5. French Press

Using a French press is one of the easiest ways to make high-quality zero waste coffee. All you need to do is add some grounds and boiling water and then wait for a few minutes before slowly pressing down on an attached plunger. Most French presses require using a paper filter. However, you can find options that use a different mechanism or offer an additional environmental benefit.

So, there you have it – 5 ways to create zero waste coffee from start to finish. Of course, you can brew more sustainably in several other ways, such as composting coffee grounds, recycling paper, and plastic cups, using plant-based milk, switching to cold brews, and so much more.

Recapp is one of the fastest-growing recycling services in the UAE. We aim to educate our users and clients regarding the different ways they can lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Plus, you can download the Recapp App and opt for free waste pick-up from your doorstep.