Pollution from roasting
Coffee consumption has increased significantly since 1960, and the consumption of espresso-based beverages has grown tenfold over that period. The production, consumption and disposal of coffee all have an environmental impact, beginning from the start of the plant’s life cycle in the roastery. Roasting coffee beans leads to emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These gases can also be transformed into particulate matter (PM) when they are released into the atmosphere, where they can have severe negative impacts on human health.
CO2, a by-product of roasting, is the most significant pollutant produced during the coffee production process. During the roasting process, the beans’ proteins, carbohydrates, and oils are all transformed due to the high temperature, producing roughly 126.5 kg of CO2 for every kilogram of coffee produced. The resulting waste is a significant environmental burden; while the coffee beans are biodegradable, the packaging and bags are not, and can create further pollution.
Pesticides and water usage
The use of pesticides is a concern linked directly to coffee production. Studies show that the production and use of pesticides in coffee plantations can harm both the workers, the environment and the consumers. Pesticides can be increasingly detrimental if they run off into nearby water sources, creating pollution for the surrounding landscape. To reduce the amount of pesticides used, organic coffee should be considered.
In addition to the pollutants created in the roasting process, the growth of coffee beans also requires large amounts of water to be used. A single cup of coffee requires 140 liters of water to produce, more than most consumable items such as fruits and vegetables. Coffee plantations require a large amount of water in order to provide the necessary hydration. This stress on water resources has caused issues in countries such as Ethiopia, which relies heavily on water resources in order to sustain its crop production.
Recycling and waste management
The production process of coffee is only the beginning of the cycle for consumers. The next stage is disposal, and this is where much of the environmental impact lies. A single person’s utilization of packaged coffee can easily create large amounts of waste. Millions of plastic disposable coffee cups end up as landfills yearly and it takes up to 500 years for each of these cups to decompose. To reduce the waste created, consumers should opt for reusable containers and other eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable coffee bags.
The recycling of used coffee grounds and filters is also a great way to reduce waste. Used grounds can be reused as fertiliser for plants and compost for gardens, this reduces the amount of waste going to landfill sites. Caffeine in coffee throws off the nitrogen/potassium balance required for healthy soil, but if used correctly, it can be a useful addition to a compost pile. With proper education and the implementation of waste management techniques, the impact created from the disposal of coffee by consumers can be significantly lessened.
From farm to cup
Coffee production has an overall significant impact on the environment, from the cultivation and roasting to the way it is packaged and disposed. The industry has begun to take steps towards reducing the environmental impact of coffee production, such as increasing use of recyclable materials and transitioning to organic farming. Even with these measures, the environmental impact of coffee production is still substantial. Consumers can remember to purchase coffee that meet environmental standards and make an effort to avoid single-use containers and disposable cups.
Environmental impact of transport
Transport of coffee beans also heavily impacts the environment, often through the release of carbon dioxide. Average transport of coffee beans from coffee plantations is estimated to emit up to 10 tons of carbon dioxide for a one-ton shipment. This carbon dioxide is released from low-efficiency trucks, causing air pollution. To reduce the negative impact, coffee producers have begun implementing initiatives such as fuel-efficient trucks, bulk shipments and recycled or re-usable packaging. When coffee is shipped in bulk or in larger, re-usable containers, the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is reduced significantly.
Sustainable global coffee production
The majority of the world’s coffee beans are planted and harvested by small, family-operated farms. The annual yield of these small farms is often not enough to sustain that family and they rely heavily on external resources such as the global trade of coffee. In order to support these types of farmers, companies have begun to buy sustainable and certified coffees that have been grown according to specific criteria. By buying certified coffee, consumers can guarantee that the farmers have met certain environmental standards.
Organic farmers have also begun to implement practices that help maintain the sustainability of coffee production, helping to decrease the environmental impact of coffee. These practices include mulching and rotating crops, which helps to enrich the soil, reduce fertilizer and water usage and prevents erosion from wind and rain. Companies that purchase organic coffee can also be sure that the coffee was grown with sustainable practices.
Awareness and education
Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of coffee production and consumption can help to reduce this impact further. Through further education and public discourse, people can learn about how their consumption choices can affect the environment, as well as how to reduce their consumption of non-sustainable coffee. Companies that strive to be socially and environmentally responsible can also help to reduce the environmental impact of coffee consumption. Through partnerships, investment, and implementation of sustainable measures, these companies will help to ensure the sustainability of the environment in the long-term.
Responsible agriculture and land management
The demand for coffee is steadily increasing and in order to meet that demand and protect the environment, sustainable practices must be adopted. Responsible land management is one of the primary factors in preserving the environment while meeting adequate production levels. This includes rotating crops to ensure that the same type of crop is not planted in the same soil each year and limiting the amount of deforestation that has been linked to coffee production.
In addition, careful herbicide and pesticide use is necessary in order to protect both the environment and human health. To reduce the amount of pesticides and herbicides used in coffee production, organic farming should be considered and the use of natural pest repellants advocated for. By reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals, the damage to ecosystems and human health can be greatly reduced.
Financial sustainability
The economic sustainability of coffee production is closely linked to its environmental impact. When farmers are unable to make money from their produce, they are more prone to turning to unsustainable means in order to make ends meet. Coffee producers should ensure that farmers are paid adequately for their produce, as well as provided with the resources they need to sustain their crops. This includes investing in resources such as sustainable farming materials, technology and education.
Additionally, businesses must focus on workers’ rights and professional development in order to ensure that workers are properly compensated for their work. By ensuring the financial sustainability of coffee production, the environment can be assured of the proper conservation and regulation of resources.
Sustainable packaging
The packaging of coffee is an additional factor in its environmental impact. Many companies have begun to focus on sustainable packaging solutions such as reusable containers, biodegradable bags and using recycled materials. Consumers should look for packaging that is recyclable or/and compostable to minimize their environmental impact. Companies should also commit to using sustainable materials and packaging that is more easily recycled.
In addition, choosing any other form of environmental friendly packaging, like paper or cardboard boxes, over plastic will not only eliminate the risk of the materials not being recycled, but it will also reduce other sources of pollution and plastic waste.
Conclusion
To reduce the environmental impact of coffee production, it is essential to raise awareness, implement sustainable practices and work with farmers to ensure that they are appropriately compensated for their produce. Consumers must also be made aware of the impact their consumption choices have on the environment, and be faced with the choices of sustainable or non-sustainable coffees. Through collective efforts, the consumption and production of coffee can be kept sustainable, in turn protecting the environment.
