Coffee Ecology: Opening of an Article Series
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
Series Summary
How is coffee decaffeinated?
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.
How is coffee decaffeinated?
Discover the history, extraction methods, toxicity issues, and environmental impact of decaffeinated coffee to better inform your choices.
Read more...Kopi Luwak: history, rarity, and ethical controversies
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.
Kopi Luwak: history, rarity, and ethical controversies
Discover kopi luwak, a rare and costly coffee derived from a unique process involving the Asian palm civet, blending refined flavors with ethical controversies that mark Indonesian coffee culture.
Read more...The ecological problem of disposable cups
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 Problem with Disposable Cups
Discover the hidden environmental impact of disposable cups and why their recycling is a real challenge.
Read more...The Ecological Aberration of Capsule Machines
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.
The Ecological Aberration of Capsule Machines
Coffee capsules, convenient but controversial, pose ecological and economic challenges; this article explores their impact and proposes sustainable alternatives for responsible espresso.
Read more...