Calling all caffeine lovers, today’s post is a sustainable gift guide for the coffee lover. I hope this will help you navigate holiday shopping and encourage you to think of some things to add to your own wish list.
What Is Considered A Gift Sustainable?
A sustainable gift considers people, the planet, and nature. For more details, read this post. A sustainable gift is also considerate of:
1. What Materials Are Used
Sustainable materials are a topic priority as well as the durability of the item, and understanding of production.
2. Brand Commitment & Transparency
Being able to easily locate information on the brand’s commitment and the specific product’s impact is another key factor.
3. Longevity
The goal of purchasing sustainably is to ensure that things last for more than one use. Items are supposed to be durable and not something that will need to be replaced after a few usages. Ideally, most items (unless absolutely intended to) won’t need a re-purchase.
Sustainable Gift Guide: For The Coffee Lover
Send this link to your loved ones and say which number or numbers you’d be happy to pull out of your stocking or unwrap!
1. Coffee Makers & Machine, $35-649
Locating a company and espresso machine that had strict environmental priorities was difficult. Amongst the popular brands online and in stores, I determined that of all of those, the best sustainable espresso machine is the one that doesn’t encourage single-use waste—coffee pods. Instead, Chemex (which uses glass) is a great option for pour-over. Alternatively, if a tried and true espresso machine is on the holiday wish list, check out the ones below. The warranties, reviews, and materials indicate they’re more durable meaning you won’t have to replace them often, if at all.
2. Milk Frother, $34.95-159.45
Similar to the coffee machines, it was difficult locating a brand that has a transparent supply chain that produced milk frothers. I recommend choosing nut-based milk as one way to offset the emissions from purchasing a frother. Not only are nut-milk alternatives more sustainable, but oat milk in particular can be frothed to make a smooth and delicious cup of coffee.
3. Festive Mug Charms, $20-24
Not only are mug charms cute and festive, but they’re also a great way to keep track of a mug amongst others. Here are two fun options—and, one is edible!
4. Bean Grinder, $29-40
A great way to reduce single-use plastic is by making a cup of coffee at home. Purchasing bags of beans and properly storing them helps to make sure that less plastic and packaging waste is used, too. For larger bags of beans that are purchased, I learned it’s best to free the beans that aren’t being used to keep them fresh and lasting longer. When it’s time to use those beans, grind them up for your preferred brewing style. Below are three options that take up the least amount of space.
5. Travel Mug, $36-69
These unique travel-sized mugs/tumblers keep hot drinks at the perfect temperature while running errands or going about the day. Not only are these great for keeping drinks fresh, but the unique designs won’t be mistaken amongst the crowd or other cups.
6. Reusable Straws, $12-16
Prevent coffee stains on teeth by using a straw—but not just any straw, a washable and reusable one. Single-use plastic straws perpetuate a wasteful lifestyle, while they’re fun and super handy to use, reusables are great alternatives. Check out these straws.
7. Coffee Beans, $13-20
Below are four featured coffee brands that are environmentally conscious and fair trade. Each brand has multiple roast options and sizes to ensure you shop for the bag of beans you or the coffee lover in your life will love.
Grumpy Mule Organic Sumatra Gayo Ground Beans
$19.99
Organic House Roast, Certified Fair Trade Organic Coffee, 2 Pound
$34
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8. Blind Cofee Taste Testing, $58
It’s like a wine tasting but with coffee! This would be a fun get-together to explore aromas and beans from around the world.
9. Reusable Coffee Filters, $12.99-13.99
Switching to reusable coffee filters, saves hundreds of coffee filters each year. In fact, by switching to the Organic cotton filters, the reusable ones will last about a year and brew many flavorful cups. Then, when the reusable filter has reached the end of its purpose, toss it in the composting bin so it has a full and waste-free lifecycle.
10. Reusable Coffee Pods, $9-16
For Keurig devotees, these reusable coffee pods/k-cups are a fantastic sustainability swap and will help save money.
11. Plant-based Milk Maker, $169
Plant-based and alternative nut milks have lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) compared to one single cup of regular daily milk. Dairy milk has nearly three times as much GHG emissions as the alternatives. Plus, dairy milk requires more land—nine times as much, to be exact. Read more about the facts in this study from the University of Oxford. This plant-based milk maker is great for making the most delicious cup of milk at home.
12. Indoor Composting Containers $17-40
While coffee isn’t the most sustainable, we can take some measures at home to make it less wasteful and impactful on the earth. Coffee beans can be composted with at-home bins. Here are a few options for your kitchen/barista area. Check with the local waste department to see if they offer free compostable pickup or if there is a center nearby to drop the coffee grounds off.
13. Classic Espresso Cup Set, $25
In 1933 the first Italian stovetop espresso maker was invented. Since then, it’s been used all over the world to brew the perfect cup of coffee at home.
14. Espresso Martini Infusion Kit, $25
Ditch the prices of espresso martinis at the bar and restaurants. Instead, have fun making them at home with this kit.
