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Coffee Ecology: Opening of an Article Series

CoffeeGeek
CoffeeGeek
Coffee EnthusiastUpdated on March 6, 2026Published on February 2, 2018

Welcome to our new series of articles dedicated to the environmental issues related to coffee consumption.
We will address both everyday actions and the often overlooked impact of disposable cups and capsules.
Our goal: to help you become aware of the consequences of your choices and to encourage reflection towards more responsible habits.

I decided to launch this series to highlight ecological problems directly related to the way we consume coffee.
You will discover that seemingly trivial actions can have a heavy impact on the environment.

The topics will not only focus on coffee itself, but also on everything that revolves around it:

  • Cardboard cups, which can take up to 150 years to decompose
  • Coffee capsules, whose recycling remains limited
  • And many other themes related to sustainability and ethics
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This series will evolve over time. Feel free to suggest your ideas or share additional information via comments or private messages.

Series Summary​

How is coffee decaffeinated?​

Coffee decaffeination
Decaffeination processes and their impact

Decaffeination is a process that generally uses chemical solvents, CO₂ or water combined with aromas to extract caffeine.
Although some methods are more respectful of health and the environment, the use of solvents remains concerning.
The topic is detailed in this article.

Kopi Luwak: history, rarity, and ethical controversies​

Kopi Luwak and ethics
A rare but controversial coffee

Originating from Indonesia, Kopi Luwak is a rare and extremely expensive coffee, produced thanks to a small animal: the Asian palm civet.
Unfortunately, behind this rarity lie intensive farming practices and a threat to the species, already hunted for its meat.
The complete story and ethical issues are discussed here.

The ecological problem of disposable cups​

Impact of disposable cups
Why paper cups pollute more than we think

Disposable paper cups are more polluting than they appear, sometimes even more than plastic cups.
They require a lot of energy and resources for their manufacturing, while decomposing very slowly.
My complete analysis and sources are available in this article.

The Ecological Aberration of Capsule Machines​

Capsule machines and pollution
The environmental impact of coffee capsules

While capsule machines appeal for their convenience, they accumulate disadvantages:

  • More expensive coffee and often lower quality than that prepared with traditional methods
  • Large amount of waste that is difficult to recycle
  • High environmental impact across the entire production chain

My complete investigation is accessible here.

tip

By choosing coffee preparation methods without capsules and without disposable cups, you immediately reduce your ecological footprint.