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Baked, Brewed, Beautiful

12 Ways to Make Your Coffee Routine More Eco-Friendly

in Beautiful on 04/08/21

coffee cup with leaves

As coffee consumption continues to rise, it’s all the more important to make your coffee routine more eco-friendly.

latte in a garden
  • Coffee production already does a number on our planet, making it all the more necessary to be aware of how your coffee drinking habits affect the planet.  
  • Buying ethical coffee is a great way to support sustainable farming practices.
  • You can brew your coffee manually or make your own cold brew, as these brew methods require less energy.  
  • Recycle coffee bags by sending them to TerraCycle, an organization that collects empty coffee bags & makes them into recyclable materials. 

Coffee is becoming more and more popular. So popular in fact that consumption is estimated to continue to rise globally. This will require a double in coffee production levels by the year 2050. 

The current system already relies on 25 million coffee producers on 10 million hectares of coffee farms. In other words, there are already a lot of resources and energy being expended on coffee production. This makes it all the more important to make an effort to lessen the effects of your own coffee habits. 


Keep reading to find out how to make your coffee more eco-friendly. 

Brew coffee at home. 

One of the best things you can do to make your coffee routine more eco-friendly is to brew your own coffee.

This cuts down on carbon emissions (assuming you drive to your local coffee shop). It also likely ensures a reduction of waste as you won’t need a paper to-go cup, straw, or sleeve.

Buy local coffee beans. 

If you’re going to be brewing your own coffee, why not buy your beans from a local coffee roaster? This helps to make your coffee routine more eco-friendly because it eliminates the need for global shipping. It’s also a wonderful way to support local, small businesses. 

coffee beans in garden

With that being said, don’t just assume that all local coffee beans are eco-friendly. Look specifically for roasters/coffee shops that buy their green coffee from farms that support ethical and sustainable farming practices. If the coffee bag doesn’t state this information, ask your local barista before purchasing.

Skip the pods and capsules.

Despite their convenience, pod and capsule systems are most often not very eco-friendly. This includes Nespresso, Keurig, and the like.

This is due to the fact that most pods are not recyclable or they are not easily recycle. Some capsules are recyclable, but must be brought to a collection point. Therefore, this single serve system creates more waste than many other brew methods.  

Note: Some efforts are being made towards more eco-friendly single serve cups or pods, but most are still not recyclable.

Shop around for ethical coffee, and choose carefully. 

Ethically-sourced coffee or ethical coffee is one of those buzzwords surrounding coffee that can get confusing. Most people know it’s a good thing, but have no idea what it actually means. In the realm of coffee. this phrase means that the package of amazing coffee beans you’ve just bought was produced in a way that maintained respect for the person growing it as well as the environment. 

So how do you know if you’re buying ethically-sourced coffee? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. And just looking at labels isn’t the best answer. It’s so important to dig deeper to find out whether or not your coffee was actually ethically-sourced. Here are a few things you can do: 

  • Don’t just look for a Fairtrade label. It’s important to for these labels instead or in addition to: Rainforest Alliance Certified, USDA Organic, UTZ Certified, Bird-Friendly Certified.
  • Buy from local, small businesses versus from large chains.
  • Buy coffee beans from sources that are known for their ethical policies. Ethical Consumer has a list of most ethical coffees and Honest Grounds has a good list as well. 
  • Contact the coffee companies you buy from directly and ask about their supply chains. 

Brew your coffee with a manual brew method.

If you’re looking for a way to reduce energy-use when it comes to actually brewing your coffee, non-electric brewers are your best bet. This includes pour over instruments such as Chemex, the Origami, AeroPress, and French press.

latte in a garden outside

Manual brew instruments allow you the precision to brew exactly the amount of coffee you plan on drinking. This is as opposed to drip coffee machines, which often make more than you need leading to waste.

Another benefit of manual brewing is that they made of very few parts and are built to last. Again, this is quite different from drip machines which are often made of mostly plastic and break quite easily. They also use way more energy than manual brew methods.

Don’t heat more water than necessary.

Using a manually brew method such as those listed above does require gas or electricity to heat up the water. To conserve energy, make your best attempt to only the amount of water you are going to use for your brew batch. One way to go about this is to measure out your water prior to adding it to the kettle (you should already be measuring your water if you’re into manual brew methods). See this article for the importance of measurements in brewing specialty coffee. 

If you don’t have a scale handy, you can also mark your kettle to indicate the amounts that you use most often. 

Better yet, make cold brew! 

To go one step further, cold brew coffee is an even greener brew method because there is no need to heat any water. To make a batch of cold brew (in the most basic fashion), combine your grounds, room temperature filtered water in a large mason jar or pitcher and allow it to sit on the counter overnight. The next morning use a cheesecloth to filter the grounds, and that’s all. The only leftovers are the coffee grounds, which can repurposed (see below).

Opt for reusable filters or at least go for the unbleached ones. 

Even with manual brew methods, there is still some waste created: the one-time use paper filters. You can take comfort in the fact that paper filters are biodegradable, but not everyone composts. Another option to prevent the paper waste is to look for a reusable filter. It usually just takes a little bit of digging to find the the right filter for your particular brew instrument, but it’s worth it and it usually saves you some cash over time (so no paper filter reorders). The Barista Warrior Reusable Pour Over Filter (Gold), for instance, can fit in the Hario V60, Chemex, and most other pour over drippers.  

If you really don’t like reusable filters due to the flavor effect (yes, that’s a thing), at least opt for the unbleached paper filters as they compost more efficiently than bleached filters. 

Fertilize your garden with used coffee grounds. 

Instead of just dumping your coffee grounds down the sink or in the trash after brewing up some coffee, consider adding them to your compost. You can then use the new and improved compost to supercharge your soil, while also helping the environment along the way. 

If you don’t have a compost bin, you can also just add the old grounds directly to your garden. To fertilize your plants, bury a small amount of grounds around the base of the plant. 

coffee beans outside on moss

Reuse your coffee bags or send them to TerraCycle.

Unfortunately, many coffee bags are not recyclable often because they are made from multiple materials such as a combination of paper and plastic. It becomes nearly impossible to separate the varying materials and recycle them. 

One solution to keep from just tossing them in the trash is to reuse these bags. Some have gotten very create and have used the coffee bags was planters, lunch boxes, and even an upcycled tote bag. 

If you find that you’re not very craft, another option is to look into TerraCycle. This company has taken on the responsibility of collecting empty coffee bags and separating the materials into metals, fibers, and plastics. All of these are separately melted down to be recycled, composted, or molded into new products. For more information on how to start up cycling your empty coffee bags with TerraCycle, visit their site here. 

Drink from a reusable mug, tumbler, or glass. 

This is one the easier to-do’s on this listicle and that’s to drink your coffee out of a reusable vessel such as ceramic mug, tumbler, or glass. When you’re out and about, make an effort to bring along a travel mug or tumbler and ask the barista to put your coffee beverage inside instead of being handed a paper cup. It just takes a minute or two of planning ahead before you head out the door. 

coffee in a garden

Clean your coffeeware with eco-friendly cleaning agents. 

In using a reusable cup mug and a manual brew method, you’re going to need to clean all of your coffeeware after each brew cycle. The most eco-friendly practice would be to find a cleaning agent from an environmentally conscious brand such as Seventh Generation or J.R. Watkins.

These types of cleaning agents are typically biodegradable, non-toxic, and derived from natural & organic ingredients.

 

Do a world of good with your next coffee purchase by supporting the most sustainable & altruistic coffee brands.

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive exclusive access to my FREE resource library & grab this list of the top Eco-Friendly & Altruistic Coffee Brands of 2022.

PLUS, be the first to grab bonus recipes and other awesome coffee freebies. Sign up below!

 

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Coffee Recipes By Baked, Brewed, Beautiful

Coffee Recipes By Baked, Brewed, Beautiful
This affogato recipe is not only bursting with complementary sweet, bitter flavors but it only requires 2 ingredients!

I value each & every subscriber. It's quick and easy to subscribe, just click here: https://rb.gy/acljrf  
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Links from video: 
- Top-Tier Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recs - Find Them Here: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/affogato/
- Pour Over Tutorial: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/what-is-pour-over-coffee/ 

The blog post that coincides with this video is: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/affogato

Best Affogato Recipe

Ingredients:
2 shots of espresso
½ cup vanilla bean ice cream
Salted brownies for garnish (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions: 
1. Scoop vanilla bean ice cream into a 4 ounce glass and place in freezer while you prepare the espresso.

2. Pull the espresso shots. Immediately, pull glasses of ice cream out and pour the espresso over the ice cream.

3. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and salted brownie crumbs. Garnish the glass's rim with a one-inch square of salted brownies.

New videos every Thursday. 
#affogato #affogatocoffee #affogatoespresso #affogatorecipe #affogatocoffeerecipe #coffeerecipes #coffeerecipe #coffeeandicecream
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Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Recipe: A Cheyenne Elwell original
Affogato Recipe (Espresso & Ice Cream)
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_7ijP8EVjEDg
Learn to pair coffee with food following these 5 coffee and food pairing best practices. Examples included in the video!

Download these FREE Resources for Your Food and Coffee Pairing at Home: 
Food & Coffee Pairing Chart + Food & Coffee Pairing Guide  - https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-coffee-pairing-chart/ 
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Blog Post for Coffee and Food Pairing Etiquette:
https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-and-coffee/ 

Note: I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through some of the below links. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.

Equipment & Ingredients From The Video:
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Blue Bottle Mug (12 oz.) - https://amzn.to/3jPnK8Q
Fab Slabs Natural Wood Cutting Board - https://amzn.to/2VQmoCC 
Nora's Naturals Organic Coffee - https://www.coastalcoffeecollective.com/
Orange & Bourbon Marmalade - https://blakehillpreserves.com/products/orange-bourbon-marmalade

New videos every Thursday.

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Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Coffee and Food Pairing: 5 Best Practices & 5 Best Combinations
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_mhp8dZoxZd0
Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe 

* Make a delicious non-dairy version of the famous fall pumpkin spice latte.
* Barista blend oat milk will allow you to create a slightly healthier version (but equally delicious) of this Starbucks classic.
* You can also enjoy this drink warm by following the modified recipe below

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Disclaimer: product links may include affiliate links.

Links from video: 
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Blog Post for the Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/oat-milk-pumpkin-spice-latte/

Equipment & Ingredients From The Video:
Barista Blend Oat Milk - https://amzn.to/3zH0Oiv 
Cheesecloths - https://amzn.to/3iaolTg 
Organic Pumpkin Puree - https://amzn.to/3zGgC58 
Organic Pumpkin Pie/Pumpkin Spice - https://amzn.to/3l571R9 
Organic Brown Sugar- https://amzn.to/3zD4pOs  
Stainless Steel Black Straws - https://amzn.to/3iTemRo

Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Pumpkin spice mixture:
½ cup oat milk (barista blend if possible)
⅓ cup brown sugar (white is okay too)
2 tsp pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
1 tsp vanilla extract
Latte
2 shots of espresso
1 cup oat milk 
1 tbsp pumpkin spice mixture
½ cup whipped cream (optional)
2 ice cubes (if enjoying cold)

Pumpkin spice mixture:
1. In a small sauce pan, add oat milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to medium heat and whisk ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil.
2. Once the mixture starts to steam and the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla. Strain through a fine mesh filter into a glass jar for easy storage.
Latte:
3. Pull your espresso shots, and pour inside your desired coffee mug. Add the strained pumpkin spice mixture to the espresso and stir well.
4. If enjoying warm (skip to next step if enjoying iced), steam your milk using a steam wand, milk frother, or mason jar (see post above to make foam without a frother) until foamy. Pour velvety milk on top of the espresso mixture.
5. For iced pumpkin spice lattes, add 2 to 3 ice cubes or cold brew coffee cubes to your mixture.
6. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and dust with pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!

New videos every Thursday. 

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Follow me at:
Blog: http://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bakedbrewedb...
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Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Recipe: A Cheyenne Elwell original
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte With Oat Milk Recipe
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_UXMXFdkbeKc
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About

Hey there!

I'm Cheyenne — Seattle-based coffee lover & writer. On this blog, you'll find brewing tips & tutorials, coffee & food pairing recipes, and FREE COFFEE GUIDES for your favorite brew method.
Happy Brewing!

5 Food & Coffee Pairing Best Practices

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𝙱𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚍, 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚍, 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕
There’s something quiet and grounding about sipp There’s something quiet and grounding about sipping coffee in the open air.

This week on the blog, we’re sharing a thoughtful guest post all about coffee and the outdoors—from trailside brews to simple backyard mornings. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes the best coffee moments happen far from the kitchen.

Take a moment to read, reflect, and maybe plan your next outdoor sip.

Where do you love to enjoy your coffee when the sky’s the ceiling?

Photo by Taryn Elliott, Powered by Pexels.
@tea_for_taryn 
#coffeeoutside #slowcoffee #outdoorcoffee #coffeetime #coffeelove #natureandcoffee #coffeeblog #bakedbrewedbeautiful #coffeeandcalm #sipandslow #backyardcoffee #morningritual #coffeewanderer #coffeethoughts #intentionalliving
Daphne walked into Café Nervosa… with a latte o Daphne walked into Café Nervosa… with a latte obsession, a white-cardiganed baby Fras, and dreams of sitting on that couch. ☕🛋️

We visited the actual Frasier set at Julien’s Auctions—and yes, it was everything.

Swipe to see: 
📍The Nervosa chairs + latte cups
🛋️ A full-family couch moment
☕ A signed espresso cup from Roz (😭)
🧣 My Daphne-inspired look
👶 Courtland dressed as Fras
🫶 Caffe Vita serving real coffee at the exhibit
🎬 A very grateful fangirl moment

This whole experience made me fall in love with coffee culture all over again—how it brings people together, adds ritual to daily life, and sometimes... gets you a signed saucer from Peri Gilpin.

Full story + photos now live on the blog—link in bio!

#FrasierSet #CafeNervosa #RozDoyleForever #BakedBrewedBeautiful #CaffeVita #FrasierCrane #CoffeeAndCulture #TVHistory #seattlecoffee
Came for a birthday latte, stayed for the flavor n Came for a birthday latte, stayed for the flavor notes.
Back on here with stories, pop-ups, and opinions on foam texture. Let’s do this. ☕🎉

#coffeetime #bakedbrewedbeautiful #coffeeblogger #oatmilklatte #thirdwavecoffee #seattlecoffee #coffeebreak #cafestagram #coffeelover
Cinnamon rolls and coffee ☕️ . . . #coffeepai Cinnamon rolls and coffee ☕️ 
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#coffeepairing #cinnamonrolls #cinnamonrollsrecipe #coffeeandfood #coffeeandfoodpairing
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