If you’re like 79% of Americans, your morning routine starts with brewing a cup of coffee at home. And whether you realize it or not, your cup probably comes with its fair share of negative environmental impacts. Forests are cleared to make room for coffee production, beans are often sold in plastic packaging, and most cups are brewed using some sort of single-use product.
While these impacts might seem daunting, you can adapt your morning brewing routine to make zero waste coffee with just a few changes.
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Ways to Brew Your Morning Coffee Zero Waste
There are several ways to brew a zero-waste coffee cup! Let’s check out some of the more popular methods below.
For all of these methods, I’ve included informational links to recommended products, but if you can, it’s better to buy the equipment second-hand, from a local artisan, or to support a BIPOC owned businesses.
FRENCH PRESS
Brewing coffee in a french press is one of the most straightforward ways to brew your zero waste coffee. Simply add grounds and boiling water (from your non-toxic kettle) to your press, wait four minutes, and then slowly press down on the plunger to filter. Using a 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio is pretty standard, but you can adjust based on how strong you like your morning brew.
Where to buy a French Press?
- Buy TERRA Sustainable French Press from Grosche (USA & Canada)
- Buy French Press direct from Bodem (worldwide)
- Buy our top pick on Amazon:
- Take it Anywhere – Our rust-free french press-stainless steel-is durable for use while camping, at the office, or making coffee at home. The double-walled carafe on this MuellerLiving French Press keeps your coffee hot and full of flavor.
- Robust, Full-Bodied Flavor – This stainless steel french press makes 4 × 8 cup servings of strong coffee. Also use for brewing tea, hot chocolate, and for keeping frothed milk hot. A chart in the included manual helps you control coffee strength.
- Immersion Brewing – It’s simple! Just add coffee grounds then hot water. Stir it. Add the lid and the filter. Wait 4 minutes. Press the plunger to the bottom of the french press. Your hot coffee is now ready to enjoy.
MOKA POT
If you like a more concentrated, espresso-like cup of coffee, a moka pot may be the right choice for you. Moka pots are stovetop coffee makers that are widely used in Italy. They’re made with stainless steel and require nothing but water and coffee grounds to brew.
To use, fill the bottom chamber with heated water, add the filter basket, fill the basket with coffee grounds, and transfer the pot to the stovetop. Turn your stove to medium heat and leave the lid of the brewer open. After a few minutes, a deep-brown stream of coffee will begin puttering out the top.
You know your cup is done once the stream turns to a more light-brown or yellow color. You can enjoy your moka brew black or in a latte.
Where to buy a Moka Pot?
- Buy Moka Pot from Illy Caffe (Worldwide excl AUS/NZ)
- Buy a vintage Moka Pot from Etsy (Worldwide)
- Buy or top pick on Amazon:
- ⭐ [Moka Espresso Coffee] 9 cup Stovetop espresso maker & manual coffee percolator machine. Available in 3 cups, 6 cups, 9 cup espresso sizes. Stove top percolator coffee pot to make home espresso like a barista. Its easier to use than electric espresso coffee machines and makes a rich cup of Expresso moka coffee. 9 cup expresso size in Food grade anodized aluminium.
- ⭐ [Easy to use Moka Espresso coffee Maker & Cuban Coffee maker] will work on all gas and electric stove top and propane camping stoves as well. It will make moka coffee on glass top induction stoves but will heat very slowly since its not magnetic. It is a type of easy to use stovetop espresso maker, coffee perculator, or expresso coffee maker stovetop. Its also called a Moka pot, Moka coffe maker, or Cafetera Cubana.
- ⭐ [Highest quality stove top espresso at home] You can easily make a moka coffee, also called a low pressure stovetop espresso at home with the Milano Moka Stovetop Espresso maker. Add milk from a milk steamer or milk frother to make lattes or cappuccino at home with ease with this coffee percolator stovetop at home. With premium silicone moka pot gasket. Uses standard 9 cup stovetop espresso maker gasket size.
POUR OVER / CHEMEX
Pour over is a great way to brew a single cup of drip coffee. For a zero waste brew, use a reusable coffee filter made of cotton with a ceramic drip cone or glass Chemex.
Simply put the grounds in the filter, “bloom” the grounds by covering them with boiling water for 45 seconds, and then slowly pour the remaining water over your grounds.
A typical ratio for pour over is 1:17 grounds-to-water, but again, you can adjust this based on preference.
Where to buy a Pour Over & cotton filter
- Buy ceramic pour over at Life Without Plastic (US & CAN)
- Buy handmade coffee dripper at Etsy (worldwide)
- Buy our top pick from Amazon:
- CHEMEX - simple, easy to use with timeless, elegant design
- All CHEMEX Coffeemakers are made of the highest quality, non-porous Borosilicate glass which will not absorb odors or chemical residues
- The patented CHEMEX pour-over design allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor
STAINLESS STEEL FILTERS
Like reusable cotton filters, these zero waste coffee filter options can be used as replacements to single-use paper filters. However, they can also be used on their own.
Simply place the stainless steel filter over a mug, add grounds, and brew like you would any other drip cup – no ceramic cone or Chemex needed.
Where to buy a stainless steel filter?
- Buy stainless steel filter from Life Without Plastic (US & CAN)
- Buy filter from Etsy (Worldwide)
- Buy our top pick from Amazon:
![Cafellissimo Pour Over Coffee Dripper, Slow Drip Brew Coffee Filter, Paperless Reusable Metal Cone Filter, Stainless Steel with Double Mesh Liner and Cleaning Brush [1-2 Cups]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vxxcBc03L._SL160_.jpg)
- Gourmet flavor made easy - Hand brew barista-quality coffee with the Cafellissimo pour-over coffee dripper. A stand-alone coffee maker that gives you the power of a professional barista for every cup.
- Double mesh design – The Cafellissimo coffee filter is made with a dual coffee filter brewing design for expert immersion and extraction Like a pro. The high-quality stainless steel gives an even pour every time.
- Convenience and quality – Anywhere you go, the power of a professional barista is in your hands. The Cafellissimo Coffee Cone is small enough to take everywhere, so you always have that perfect cup.
ELECTRIC AUTO-DRIP COFFEE MAKER
These appliances are a staple in many households, being one of the easiest ways to get your morning brew. They are often used with single-use paper filters, but can be made more sustainable with the use of a zero waste coffee filter, like these.
However, these machines are often cheaply made with plastic and e-waste components, so unless you already have one or buy one second-hand, your most sustainable option may be to opt for a different brewing method – unless you’re willing to invest in one made durably with mostly glass and metal parts.
Where to buy electric drip coffee makers?
- Buy Second Hand electric coffee maker on Etsy (Worldwide)
- Buy our top pick on Amazon:
- Fully automatic with 24-hour programmability, self-clean, 1-4 cup setting, ready tone on/off and auto-shutoff
- Brew pause feature
- Provides hot water on demand for tea, soup, hot cocoa and more.UC Cubic Feet: 1.48
K-CUP BREWERS
In the last decade, k-cup machines have become one of the most popular ways to brew coffee. Keurig alone sold 10 billion k-cup pods in 2018. But, they come with a lot of waste.
While the pods are recyclable if you separate the plastic, aluminum, and paper components, most consumers just throw them out, leading to several billion k-cup pods making their way into landfills annually.
To curb this waste, invest in a reusable k-cup pod that you fill with loose grounds. Simply insert it where you would a k-cup and use the machine as normal. However, like auto-drip machines, they are often cheaply made with plastic and e-waste components, so opt for other brewing methods if you can.
Where to buy a k-cup machine and reusable pods?
- Buy Reusable k-cup pods on Etsy (worldwide)
- Buy Coffee Grinder for coffee pods on Amazon
- Buy K-Cup Coffee maker on Amazon:
- FITS ANYWHERE: Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces.Filter type:Reusable.Temperature Control : No. Froths Milk : No..Display Screen : No, Digital Clock : No.
- YOUR PERFECT AMOUNT: Brew any cup size between 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods.
- ONE CUP RESERVOIR: Just add fresh water for each brew.
PERCOLATORS
Percolators are more of an old-fashioned brewing appliance but are still loved by many coffee drinkers around the world. They come in electric, stovetop, and even campfire varieties, but all brew in similar ways.
Add water into the bottom chamber, put it over your heat source, wait for it to boil, and then add coarsely-ground coffee- between a teaspoon and a tablespoon per cup of water, depending on desired strength.
After adding the coffee, reduce heat, and let it brew for around seven minutes before removing it from heat. You can play around with
Where to buy percolators?
- Buy secondhand on Etsy (worldwide)
- Buy our top pick on Amazon (great for camping!):
![COLETTI Bozeman Percolator Coffee Pot — Camping Coffee Pot, Coffee Percolator – America’s Favorite Percolator – NO Aluminum or Plastic [9 cup]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Mvx4gVOyL._SL160_.jpg)
- NO ALUMINUM OR PLASTIC: Our stainless steel camping coffee makers are toxin free. Essential camp kitchen equipment with hardwood handle, construction grade steel, & heat-toughened glass top
- BONUS FILTERS INCLUDED: We include a pack of medical grade filters. Not required for operation, but these keep finely-ground beans out of the brew. This camping coffee percolator comes ready to use
- COMBAT TOUGH VETERAN OWNED: This rugged camp coffee pot is engineered for the outdoors. Take it anywhere. Period. Made by men who weathered 15 combat deployments. A coffee perculator built to last
ESPRESSO MACHINE
Espresso machines are on the pricier end of brewing methods, but if you love a rich shot of espresso, they may be worth the investment. They are also generally low in waste as you just have to add grounds to the machine, no filters or other single-use products required.
However, like other electric brewing machines, when they break, you end up with e-waste components, so investing in a quality machine is important from a sustainability point of view.
We’ve personally owned our own De’Longhi espresso machine (similar to this one) for over 10 years now! It’s a bit more of an investment up front, but we’re still getting great coffee every day with the push of a button.
Where to buy an espresso machine?
- Buy used Espresso machines on Etsy (worldwide)
- Buy our top pick on Amazon:
- De'Longhi Dinamica is the first and only Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine with iced coffee recipe. By brewing at a lower temperature, pre-infusing and infusing the coffee and offering the ability to customize to extra strong, De’Longhi Dinamica brews smooth, full-bodied coffee over ice that is never watered down.
- Heat-up time in less than 40 seconds: With Italian 15 bar high performance pump and a brew unit that takes only 40 seconds to heat up, you can have coffee shop quality coffee beverages with the push of a button.
- Brew The Freshest Coffee: With bean to cup brewing system and a breakthrough built-in steel burr grinder, you can expect the freshest cup of coffee, every time, unlike competitor machines, Dinamica does not leave grounds in the brew unit.
COLD BREW
If you have nothing but a jar and some coffee grounds, you can make cold brew at home. Just add coarsely ground coffee and water into a jar, let it brew at room temperature for 24 hours, and then strain it through a coffee sock, reusable pour over filter, or cheese cloth.
Alternatively, you can put the grounds directly into a coffee sock, tie it, place it into a jar with water and brew for 24 hours. Coffee to water ratios for cold brew vary widely based on preference, but 1:8 can be a good starting point.
Compost your grounds
No matter what method you choose, composting your grounds after brewing is one of the best things you can do to up the sustainability of your cup.
Whether you have your compost picked up, you donate it to a local community garden, or you have a bin in your backyard, don’t forget to throw in your coffee grounds. Otherwise, they’ll contribute to landfill-related methane and carbon emissions.
How to Buy Zero Waste Coffee
Making zero waste coffee starts at the source. From how the coffee beans are grown, to how it’s packaged, there are a few things to consider.
Bulk Bin
If you’re accustomed to buying dry goods and spices from bulk bins, buying zero waste coffee beans in bulk won’t be anything new. Bring a jar or cloth bag to the grocery store (preferably your local co-op), tare it, fill it with beans, and then write down the PLU #- like you would for any other bulk item.
A lot of stores also have coffee grinders available so you can grind your coffee before purchasing, which will be important if you don’t have a grinder at home.
Local Café
Supporting local businesses is an important part of sustainability, so if you only live near chain grocery stores, your most sustainable coffee buying option may be to buy coffee beans from your local café. Not all storefronts offer this, but if they roast their own coffee in house, chances are you they offer whole beans.
A lot of cafés might not offer these beans package free, but if their coffee is grown sustainably and they’re a local business, the price of a little extra packaging may be worth it.
Shade Grown and Fair Trade
Cutting down on waste is important, but its also important to look at other impacts. Coffee is notoriously grown in unsustainable conditions by workers who make less than a living wage, so buying beans that cut down on those impacts and are grown in fair conditions is just as important (if not more) than buying coffee free from plastic.
Look for shade-grown, fair trade and rainforest alliance varieties, and research the practices of the company you’re buying your beans from before making a purchase. If they are not transparent about their growing practices and labor conditions, you may want to look for a different business to support.
Zero Waste Coffee on the Go
Don’t have time to brew your own coffee every day? It’s definitely the most sustainable option, but everyone is allowed a treat once in a while. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying coffee out.
Support Small & Local
As with buying your beans, it’s always better to support the little guy over the big chain stores, and it’s often easier to find their eco credentials too. Things to look for include where they source their coffee from, whether they roast it themselves, and if they’re actively working towards reducing waste in-house.
Take Your Own Cup
Did you know less than 1% of the paper cups that are produced globally are recycled? When you consider that over 50 Billion coffee cups are used each year in the USA alone, that’s a sobering statistic. The only way to ensure you’re not contributing to this waste is to take your own refillable cup with you – it’s an essential item in any zero waste to-go kit.
My personal go-to is the KeepCup, but options abound – you can read about our other favorites here: Best Eco-Friendly Coffee Cups
Many cafes also sell their own branded cups (just don’t get caught buying more than you need).
- Keep Cup Brew - Cork Edition crafted from blown tempered glass and cork
- A premium drinking experience best suited to a coffee ritual
- Beautiful to hold, handle with care
Adapting your morning brewing routine to be zero waste can be achieved with just a few changes. And if none of these brewing methods are your speed, you can always go to your local café, reusable coffee cup in hand, and get a zero waste morning fix that way.
