Coffee pods – they have made it so quick and easy to make a delicious coffee at home or work and the convenience is brilliant! It’s no wonder they are so popular. But, they have created an extra source of waste that comes at a cost.
Choice reports that Australians are using more than three million coffee pods per day!! Aluminium pods can be recycled but it is estimated that millions of kilograms of aluminium has ended up in landfill[1]. That is a huge waste let alone the amount of natural resources needed to make the pods in the first place.
While aluminium pods can be recycled, in the scheme of things it is better to ‘reduce’ the need for an item, or ‘reuse’ items, and then if the first two options can’t be achieved – the third option is to ‘recycle’.
One option to reduce the need for coffee pods is to visit your local barista (taking your reusable cup with you) and have a freshly brewed cuppa, but this can add up when one cup is $4 to $5 each visit. Gets expensive if your habit is a few cups a day!
What are the alternatives?
If that’s the case, what are the options for reducing coffee pod waste or reusing coffee making items to still get that tasty coffee, without buying a whole new machine and without having to spend 20 minutes preparing, brewing and cleaning up?
I’ve been on a mission to find a solution. I have used pods in the past for the convenience and taste, but the guilt of the extra waste has gotten to me and I’ve been looking for a better option. Here’s what I’ve tried.
Top 3 Options
Here are my top three alternatives to disposable coffee pods:
- Reusable coffee pods
This was a bit of trial and error. I bought a 6 pack of plastic pods with a mesh lid, and my first coffee was terrible! It was weak, the water just looked dirty instead of a rich brown, and it was undrinkable. After a discussion with my local coffee bean supplier, I learned that the level of grinding is key. I tried a level 2 grind, and this was so much better! The beauty is that you can buy any beans you want from your supplier, and just make sure they are a level 2 grind. I packed the coffee down a little and put in as much as fit, closed the lid, and popped it straight into the nespresso machine (make sure you buy reusable pods that are compatible with a nespresso machine first!!).
Pros
- you can use any beans you like, as like as they are ground fine to a level 2 grind
- You can still use your nespresso machine, without the waste.
- The pods will last and last, especially if you go for stainless steel.
Cons
- yes you do have to retrieve the pod, empty the grinds and wash the pod each time. I still found it quicker and easier than using a traditional espresso coffee machine. Slightly messier than a disposable pod, but not a deal breaker.
Cost
- once off cost for the reusable pods, and the cost of your usual coffee beans or ground coffee
2. Coffee bag
My next option was to try a coffee bag. You use them just like a tea bag, with a little squeeze at the start and end of brewing to get even more flavour. I found the taste similar to percolated coffee, and when I followed the instructions (the squeeze is important) the coffee was strong! I found a few brand and flavour options to choose from.
Pros
- strong taste, very little mess, quick and easy. And the bag can go straight into the compost.
Cons
- Many coffee bags come individually wrapped in a box. Which means a bit of excessive waste. The wrappers (soft plastics) and box (cardboard) can be recycled, so this is some consolation.
Cost
- varies depending on the brand, but around the cost of coffee pods.
3. Plunger coffee
Similar to reusable pods, with plunger coffee you have the benefit of being able to use your favourite coffee. You can buy plungers-for-one at an affordable price and they are compact so are perfect to have at work for a nice cuppa. A couple of minutes brewing and it’s done.
Pros
- make as weak or as strong as you like with your choice of coffee.
- quick and easy.
Cons
- a bit of clean up required through rinsing the plunger and its attachments.
Cost
- one off cost for the plunger (around $15), and the cost of your usual coffee beans or ground coffee.
There are plenty of other options around for those looking to move away from coffee pods. Let us know if you have found another alternative that gives that coffee burst without too much waste!
To check out some other reuse solutions, take a look at our store
[1] www.choice.com.au “Five things you didn’t know you could recycle” (27 June 2017)
