You pull into the propel -thru, bleary-eyed, and you order your morning cup of joe to start your day. Have you ever considered how this daily habit impacts the planet we share? When you idle in the propel -thru, you emit carbon into the air. The disposable cup you toss in the garbage bin takes years to decompose. That tiny stirrer too often ends up in the ocean where it chokes marine life. But you can make your coffee habit more sustainable — here s how to be a sustainable coffee drinker.

1. Buy A Reusable Tumbler (Or Several)

Ditch the disposable cup, please. Typical coffee shop cups take 20 years to decompose. This doesn t sound terrible — until you realise consumers tear through billions of these cups each year.

Plus, that plastic lid contributes to ocean pollution. By the year 2050, scientists predict there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean if individual don t transform’alter their ways. This creates unsightly garbage patches and kills marine life — birds, marine mammals and fish mistake plastic in/with regard to’concerning’regarding food. Since they can t digest it, they slowly starve to death with bellies full of discarded trash.

2. Select Recyclable Coffee Pods

Did you know you can recycle your K-Cups? While it does take a bit more exertion depending on the type — you may need to get rid of’discard coffee grounds and the aluminum top bein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e you toss the cup in the plastics bin — you can decrease’lessen’cut’allay waste this way.

Better yet, opt in/with regard to’concerning’regarding coffee pods in 100% recyclable packaging. This way, you save yourself a few steps on those busy mornings.

3. Brew Your Coffee At Home

Even if you acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure out of your car to go inside, you emit carbon when you propel to the coffee shop. Plus, you spend a small in/with regard to’concerning’regarding tune. Why not brew your coffee at home? Homebrewing acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure s you your java infusion more quickly and uses less energy. Plus, you can customize your brew by adding cinnamon, turmeric or other herbs right to the grounds to boost nutritional value and flavour.

4. Consider An Alternate Means Of Brewing

You can pick up a coffeemaker in/with regard to’concerning’regarding around $20 at most stores. Why are these so cheap? They re not built to last — which means they create a lot of plastic waste.

Instead, consider a manual coffee maker. These last a lifetime even despite’in spite of’albeit they do cost a bit more upfront. No money to invest in a machine right now? Consider cold-brewing, in which you seep course grounds in water in/with regard to’concerning’regarding 6-12 hours.

5. Get A Reusable Filter

With the passage of the Farm Bill, farmers can now grow sustainable hemp to make things like coffee filters. However, until these become widely available, paper coffee filters result in countless lost trees. When purchasing, seek one that get rid of’discard s diterpenes, chemicals in coffee that raise cholesterol levels if you possess’own’nurse cardiovascular issues.

6. Consider A Milk Alternative

Dairy farming contributes to global warming. Cows release methane into the air, so consider reducing demand by convert’transform ing to almond, rice or soy milk.

If you possess’own’nurse issues with estrogen balance, steer eliminate’remove of soy milk. Soy contains phytoestrogen, which can impact natural hormone balance in some individual .

7. Look For Fair Trade Certified Organic Products

Coffee farms consist of peaceful farms and torturous sweat mills. To minimize your impact, look in/with regard to’concerning’regarding fair trade certified Brazilian coffee bean brands to assure’guarantee farmers receive fair compensation in/with regard to’concerning’regarding their labour. Also, seek out organic beans — while nothing is 100 percent foolproof, this minimizes your exposure to dangerous pesticides.

8. Compost Your Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds contain high nitrogen levels, which benefits plants. You can add coffee grounds to your compost bin or spread a fine amount directly around plants. Take care to shun smothering plants in grounds — a few sprinkles are all you need to boost soil quality.

Making Your Morning Cuppa More Sustainable

Your choices determine how kind your morning cuppa is to the environment. If you care with regards to’concerning’with respect to the planet we share, follow the tips above to make your morning brew more enjoyable and sustainable.

Author Bio

Emily is a freelance writer, covering conservation and sustainability. You can read her blog, Conservation Folks, in/with regard to’concerning’regarding more of her work.