For many of us, coffee in the morning (or throughout the day) is a non-negotiable. Not that we’re addicted, we just can’t ever stop drinking it. Ever. Unfortunately some of the side effects of a major caffeine habit—other than headaches when you go without and pre-coffee irritability—are environmentally damaging. There’s the clear cutting that sometimes occurs in order to make way for more coffee plants, the chemicals used to grow conventional beans, the transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, and the waste left over from cups and their accessories, to name a few. But since we wouldn’t dream of asking you to give up your cuppa completely, we’re spilling the beans on how you can have your coffee and feel good about it too.

Buy Better Beans

Arguably the easiest and best way to improve the environmental element of your coffee drinking is to purchase the right type of bean, and that doesn’t mean selecting, light, dark or medium roasts (that choice is still yours). Rather, try to select bags of beans that are organically-grown, shade-grown and, finally, Fair Trade. Organic means getting rid of the toxic chemicals, shade-grown is thought to actually improve the environment, and Fair Trade comes with a higher standard for humanitarian and environmental purposes. Yes, you’ll pay a little more for coffee that fits this trifecta, but your coffee costs the planet much more if you don’t. Try the blends from Higher Grounds Coffee or The Organic Coffee Company.

Use a Greener Machine

Electronics use energy and energy drains resources. An electronic coffee maker will have an impact, but, in reality, so will a French Press, because you’ll have to heat the water prior to use and wash it after. Unfortunately there are no Energy Star ratings for coffee machines (at least not yet), so buying one is a bit of a gamble. The best thing you can do is go for one that will last you a long time and can be used with a reusable filter. When you’re making your coffee, making it in large batches that you can reheat during the day instead of running the machine several times.

Carry Your Cup

Investing in a reusable coffee mug that can be taken to-go will enable you to make your morning coffee at home instead of buying it at the coffee shop (quickly paying off your investment) and save you from having to use the one-use coffee cups when you do hit the coffee shop, which can also save you money. The Sigg Metro Mug is BPA-free and won’t leach even when exposed to the hottest of beverages. You might also consider mentioning biodegradable coffee cups to your local coffee shop.

Choose Sustainable Sidekicks

Switching up some of the smaller accessories you use with your coffee can also have a nice eco-effect. You can rid the planet of some pesticides and chemicals by choosing organic milk, skipping the sugar (suspected to be one of the biggest cause of biodiversity loss) and picking up a reusable coffee sleeve that will prevent you from having to use disposable paper version every time. However, if you’re only going to do one thing, one of the best choices is buying a reusable coffee filter, like the Hemp Coffee Filter from Nubius Organics. It’ll drastically cut down on coffee waste with minimal difference in flavor.

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