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Coffee's Carbon Footprint: Surprising Truths Revealed
3 Dec
Summary
- Coffee production's carbon footprint stems mainly from farming practices.
- Shipping emissions are surprisingly low compared to farm and home impacts.
- Additions like milk can significantly increase a coffee's climate impact.
The journey of your coffee from bean to cup carries a notable carbon footprint, with farming practices contributing the most significant emissions. Deforestation for farmland and the production of fertilizers are major culprits, making it challenging to reduce environmental impact at this stage. Despite concerns, shipping emissions are surprisingly low, as coffee largely travels by sea.
Home preparation also influences your coffee's climate impact. Experts advise brewing only what you need and minimizing energy use from machines. Even single-use coffee pods have a similar footprint to other methods, though waste and microplastic concerns remain. The most substantial impact at home often comes from additives.
What you add to your coffee can dramatically increase its carbon footprint. For instance, the milk in a latte can generate twice the emissions of the coffee itself. Choosing dairy alternatives or less milk can significantly lower this impact. Composting coffee grounds and using electricity over gas for brewing are also beneficial practices.
