Keurigs are quick and convenient, but they also tend to get a bad rap. For as fast and easy as this rapid brewing method can be, it also produces lots and lots of waste. After all, it is not every coffee machine that contributes to a landfill with each cup it makes.
But what if we told you that it is possible to enjoy Keurig coffee without doing damage to Mother Earth? In this article, we will explore a few simple ways that you can brew coffee while still showing the planet that you care!
Top 6 Ways to Be an Eco-Friendly Keurig Drinker:
1. Recycle
One thing many people are not aware of is that K-Cups are actually recyclable. This means that you can reduce the environmental effects of your coffee drinking right away simply by putting your trash in the right bin.
Just make sure that you remove the pouch with the ground before sticking the pod in the trash can. That part does still go in the landfill, but the environmental effect should still be fairly minimal.
SEE ALSO: How to Quickly Reset a Keurig
2. Get a Reusable Coffee Filter
You can also use a reusable coffee filter. Keurig now sells machines that can use loose coffee grounds. You then brew them using a metallic mesh filter that can be used over and over again without producing any waste.
The reusable coffee filter is perfect because it gives you the power to make a very controlled batch of coffee without producing the waste of a K-Cup. Best of both worlds, right?
SEE ALSO: How to Clean a Reusable Coffee Filter (Easy!)
3. Buy From the Right People
Without conscientious buying decisions, all the work you do on the home front will be for naught. The good news is that Keurig does use some suppliers with environmentally-friendly harvesting practices. You just need to do a little research.
Fortunately, most companies that harvest their beans ethically are very open about sharing these policies directly on the packaging. Buy from the right people, and you can be sure that you’re not harming the environment with your coffee habit. We recommend Glory Brew compostable K-cups, which are certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
RELATED READS: Fair Trade vs Direct Trade Coffee Labels: What’s the Difference?
4. Be Smart With How You Drink Your Coffee
It also matters what you drink your coffee out of. Disposable to-go cups are a popular way to drink coffee because they’re convenient and don’t require any cleaning or maintenance (unlike your Keurig!). However, they also produce tons of waste, especially over time.
It’s better if you can stick to mugs or invest in a decent reusable thermos for when you need to take your coffee with you on the road.
Worth reading: Our complete guide to coffee cups & mugs
5. Be an Advocate
Share what you know! With any luck, this article has taught you a thing or two about how to be a sustainable coffee drinker. That’s great for your purposes, but unfortunately, there are lots of other people in the world who don’t have your knowledge.
If you want to make a difference, consider sharing eco-friendly Keurig tips with the coffee lovers in your life. While it’s never a good idea to irritate your friends and family, there is nothing wrong with floating the occasional tip or reminder.
6. Monitor How Much You Drink
One of the best things about the Keurig is that it makes it really easy to brew precise quantities of coffee. Unlike drip makers that brew entire pots of coffee at the same time, the Keurig will only brew one cup, ensuring that you rarely waste any coffee grounds.
Still, it’s a good idea to be mindful of how much coffee you are drinking. Splurging is okay, but if you can do without, you may consider abstaining or switching to a new coffee brewing method for the sake of the environment.
Featured Image credit: Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash
