Amid
the workweek frenzy, lethargy is bound to slow even the most productive of us. As our energy dwindles, so can our efforts to
live sustainably. This week on Green Life, we’ll offer pick-me-up
tips as energizing as they are eco-friendly. First, we list some simple steps you can take toward a guilt-free
cup of Joe.
According to the National Coffee
Association's 2013 online survey, about 83 percent of adults nationwide drink
coffee. That averages to three cups a day per person, or 587 million cups,
making the U.S. the world’s biggest coffee guzzler.
Most of us probably grab our morning
Joe without thinking twice—even if we should. Reports of worker exploitation and
habitat destruction in the coffee industry can make a humble latte both an environmentally
and socially fraught purchase.
Here’s how you can ensure your beans
come from a farm that’s good for workers and the environment.
Ditch
the paper cup: Fifty-eight billion paper
cups are thrown away each year, according to BetaCup. Although the cups’ plastic resin coating helps insulate
our brew and prevent leaking, it also complicates recycling. Do your part to
reduce paper waste, and opt for a reusable mug.
Bonus points if you choose a mug made of ceramic or stainless steel
instead of plastic.
Forget
paper filters: As long as you’re abandoning paper
cups, why not forego paper filters, too? Instead of a traditional coffee pot,
consider buying a French press, which doesn’t require a filter. It’s also cheaper and makes more flavorful
drinks. A reusable mesh filter is an
option for those who already brew their Joe in a pot. Linda Green Homes
offers an array of reusable filters for the gamut of coffee brewer brands.
Look
for socially and environmentally responsible labeling: Next
time you refill on coffee beans, make sure you choose bags bearing the
following labels:
