Coffee pods just got a boost of good publicity — as a new study reveals that the single-use brew method is less wasteful than previously assumed.
Coffee consumption around the world has been steadily rising for almost 30 years with the United States leading the way.
As young adults are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, researchers at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi in Canada conducted an extensive study to determine the carbon footprint of different coffee-making methods.
The team compared traditional filter coffee, coffee pods, brewed coffee (French press) and soluble instant coffee.
In comparison, soluble coffee appeared to be the best option to enjoy a cup of joe with an eco-friendly conscious. This is credited to the small amount of soluble coffee used per cup, the kettle’s lower electricity consumption and the absence of organic waste to be treated.
But when coffee drinkers use a 20% surplus of coffee and heat double the water needed (which happens often), single-use coffee pods were — perhaps surprisingly — revealed to be the most environmentally friendly and efficient option as they allow you to optimize your coffee-to-water ratio.
Even better, recyclable or reusable coffee pods, which further the green perks.
In the end, the research found that the traditional paper filter for coffee has the highest carbon footprint. This method requires the greatest quantity of coffee powder to produce a cup of coffee at average strength and consumes more electricity to heat the water and keep it warm.
When compared to traditional filter coffee, using a K-cup or other coffee pods (280 ml on average) saves between 11 and 13 grams of coffee.
From the agricultural production of the coffee beans down to washing your favorite New York Post mug, your coffee goes through a long process — all of which has its impact on the environment and contributes to your carbon footprint, all before you sit down to take your first sip of liquid gold.
All of these steps consume resources and emit greenhouse gases (GHG). While coffee production is the most GHG-emitting phase — adding 40 to 80% of the total emissions throughout the supply chain — and, thus, beyond the consumer’s hands, the best we can do is to avoid wasting coffee and water while preparing a cup.
However, the environmental benefits of using single-use coffee pods are diminished if the ease of popping in a pod pushes you to increase how many cups of caffeine you consume in a day.