rom the first glorious sip to the last savory drop, coffee is something to look forward to day in and day out. Part ritual and part pick-me-up, coffee makes for the perfect sidekick to morning routines and cozy afternoons. And for those who prefer a one-and-done, capsule-style cuppa joe, brewing coffee is as simple as popping a pod in a machine.
However, research shows that the carbon footprint of single-use coffee pods may be more significant than other methods of coffee preparation. That’s due to the greenhouse gases associated with coffee pod production, packaging, and waste.
Before you abandon your capsule coffee machine, though, take a beat. You can still enjoy your beloved coffee pods and help the planet by making thoughtful purchasing choices. This article will help you learn more about the environmental impact of pods and make the switch to more eco-friendly — and often tastier — options without sacrificing your convenient routine. From eco K-cups to compostable coffee capsules, here’s everything you need to know.
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The Environmental Friendliness of Different Eco Coffee Pods
Not all coffee pods are created equal when it comes to sustainability. Here are some factors to consider for the different eco pods for coffee available today.
Traditional Plastic Coffee Pods
They might be convenient and affordable, but plastic coffee pods aren’t doing any favors for the planet. Contrary to popular belief, the polypropylene plastic used to make most of these K-cups is not easily recyclable. Two of the nation’s largest recycling companies reportedly do not accept these kinds of pods, meaning many of them go to landfills. By some estimates, the amount of K-cups in landfills could wrap around the planet 10 times.
Recycled Plastic and Zero CO2 Impact Cups
Some companies are incorporating recycled plastics, cutting down on the need for virgin plastic and thus reducing overall waste. Others, like Lavazza, are taking a carbon-neutral approach. The company offsets all CO2 emissions related to coffee pod production and prioritizes sustainability throughout its offices and manufacturing plants.
Likewise, in 2021, Keurig began replacing hard-to-recycle plastic with polypropylene, a recyclable plastic, thereby creating more sustainable Keurig pods. Not every community may recycle these cups, however, so there’s still a good chance that many of them will wind up in landfills.
Aluminum Coffee Pods
Companies like Nespresso have made strides in moving away from plastic with aluminum capsules and recyclable coffee pods. The company offers recycling options, either via recycling bags coffee drinkers can ship back to Nespresso or, in some municipalities, through curbside recycling — a complex and imperfect (if not optimistic) effort toward sustainability. Still, the virgin aluminum required to create coffee capsules may take twice as much energy to produce as plastic, not to mention the negative environmental and societal impacts of mining bauxite ore for aluminum production.
Biodegradable Coffee Pods
Saving pods from landfills and giving them a second life as compost is another promising solution. One study showed that bio-disposable pods, also known as compostable pods, degraded within 46 days and cut waste disposal costs by 21% simply by feeding gardens and farms.
Reusable Coffee Pods
By eliminating single-use waste, reusable stainless steel coffee pods have far less of an environmental impact than other types of pods. Switching to coffee pods without plastic means tossing less waste in landfills and cutting down on the manufacturing and transportation required for new pods. Plus, you have the added benefit of choosing your own coffee grounds with these sustainable coffee pods.
What Are the Healthiest Coffee Pods?
Aside from the environmental impacts of single-use coffee pods, there are health concerns related to coffee capsules.
One University of California, Riverside, researcher notes that single-use plastics are potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Because they are difficult to recycle, they contribute to microplastics in our environment — threatening the health of a wide range of species, including humans. Furthermore, when exposed to high heat, plastic pods may leach chemicals into your coffee.
Research shows that coffee pods with an aluminum seal may also leach aluminum into coffee drinks during drink preparation. Over time, exposure to aluminum may lead to adverse health effects, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and breast cancer.
Reusable pods or compostable Nespresso pods and other types of home-compostable capsules may be the safest choice, as they don’t contain plastic linings that degrade under heat. Stainless steel capsules, such as those from Perfect POD, are also healthy coffee pods, ensuring no chemical leaching.
Which Coffee Pod Keeps Your Coffee Fresh for Longer?
The flavor of a coffee begins during the growing and roasting process — like wine, the earth where beans grow contributes to its final taste, as does the level of roasting (between light and dark). The final step is the way it’s brewed, and different coffee pods can vary in freshness and flavor.
Once unsealed and ground, coffee oxidizes and loses some of its richness, so freshly ground beans are typically the optimal choice. However, certain pods can retain much of that freshness due to the way they’re sealed in production.
For example, aluminum pods provide an airtight seal, preventing exposure to oxygen and moisture. Reusable pods offer a happy medium, letting you grind your own beans at home without losing flavor or sacrificing sustainability.
The Eco-Friendly Coffee Capsules We Recommend
In this section, we’ve rounded up our top picks for eco-friendly coffee capsules. Various criteria went into the selection process, including:
- Low environmental footprint
- Coffee freshness
- Coffee taste and quality
- Durability of the pods, if applicable
- Value for the price
We also noted which machines the capsules are compatible with and anything especially cool about them. Ready to sip and savor? Let’s get into the details!
Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Capsules by Evergreen
The Evergreen Capsules collection is extensive, featuring a wide range of stainless steel capsules that work with nearly every type of machine, including Keurig, Nespresso, and Lavazza. Choose from single capsules or packs with accessories; Evergreen recommends buying a pack with a tamper on your first order for the best brewing results. Dishwasher-safe and economically priced from $14 and up, these pods can save you up to 85% on your coffee spending. They also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.
Perfect Reusable Coffee Pod for Keurig by Perfect POD
Perfect POD capsules are compatible with many different Keurig models, plus some Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, and Mr. Coffee machines. Made with permanent etched stainless steel, the environmentally friendly K-cups are durable, long-lasting, and economically priced at $14.99. The perforated holes are a nice touch on these eco-friendly Keurig pods, allowing for optimal brew flow and superior results.
Lavazza iTierra Aluminum Coffee Capsules
You can’t go wrong with Lavazza, a brand that’s been brewing up incredible coffee since 1895. In addition to its coffee’s delicious flavor profile and exceptional quality, Lavazza has an organic ¡Tierra! collection featuring aluminum capsules compatible with Nespresso original machines. Budget-conscious coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the low price point, with a 10-pack costing under $8. Moreover, Lavazza has a sustainability commitment, with several impressive environmental certifications.
Home-Compostable Coffee Pods by Volcano
With its 100% home-compostable capsules, Volcano makes it easy to brew up subtly sweet, low-acid coffee — then feed your garden with plant-based pods that disappear within 180 days. The company also pays farmers 50% to 180% above fair trade. Compatible with Original Nespresso, Opal, and Dualit machines, these pods are priced affordably at £6.50 for a 10-pack, with free shipping on orders of £35.
Home-Compostable Coffee Pods by GRIND
Grind’s Nespresso-compatible, plant-based pods are another excellent option in the home-compostable pod category. Free of plastic and aluminum, the capsules are made with PHA and feature an oxygen barrier that preserves freshness and flavor for months. Grind packaging is also 100% compostable, and customers can get a subscription with a refillable tin — with prices starting at just $6 for a 10-pack.
We give Grind extra points for transparency with its full breakdown of the life of a pod and fair-trade commitments. We’re equally impressed with its regenerative farming methods and effort to prevent plastic pollution in partnership with the Ocean Co. and through its own Better Coffee Foundation.
CARAVAN and Co.
With an organic house blend featuring notes of milk chocolate, honeycomb, and red apple, CARAVAN may be pricier at £15.00 per 10-pack. However, considering the strides toward environmental and social responsibility that are happening behind the scenes, it’s worth the price.
Not only does CARAVAN offer organic compostable coffee pods and recyclable packaging, but the certified B-Corp also roasts its coffee using recirculated hot air, which uses 80% less gas than a direct gas flame. Furthermore, CARAVAN works with farms using ecologically sustainable and regenerative farming practices and supports female farmers, who are historically overworked and underpaid.
Kiss the Hippo
Compatible with original Nespresso machines, Kiss the Hippo offers organic blends with unique flavor profiles, ranging from smooth and mellow to punchy and intense. All Kiss the Hippo products are ethically sourced, responsibly roasted, and carbon-negative. Plus, with every pack of pods gifted, the company will plant a tree in its Nepalese reforestry project. Home-compostable and affordable at £19.35 for a 30-pack, these capsules arrive at your doorstep fresh after roasting.
Some Helpful FAQs About Eco-Friendly Pods
How long does it take for compostable coffee pods to decompose?
Most home-compostable pods break down within a matter of weeks and fully disappear within a few months. Once you make a habit of composting your capsules instead of throwing them in the trash bin, you’ll hardly notice they’re there. Plus, you get to be part of the circular economy, sharing your love of coffee with your plants via sustainable coffee capsules instead of adding to landfills.
Can Keurig pods be composted?
Standard Keurig pods are not compostable due to their plastic and aluminum components. However, many companies are working to reduce their environmental footprints by using recycled or recyclable materials. Due to the difficulty in recycling these types of pods, opting for fully compostable or reusable stainless steel capsules is the most sustainable choice.
Are Peet’s coffee pods compostable?
Peet’s K-cup pods are not compostable but may be recyclable, depending on the municipality. Peet’s has also introduced a recycling program for its aluminum capsules, similar to Nespresso’s, whereby you can ship back used pods. Peet’s will then separate the aluminum for recycling and compost the grounds.
Are coffee pods good for plants as seed starters?
Yes! You can either plant seeds directly in the pods or transplant starts into them. The pod structure allows water to pass through its coffee filter lining and the hole in the bottom. Meanwhile, the outside shell stays intact, serving as a mini greenhouse to promote seedling growth before transplanting.
Can I get Nespresso biodegradable pods?
Absolutely! Several brands offer biodegradable and home-compostable pods compatible with different Nespresso machines. Great options include Volcano’s home-compostable coffee pods, GRIND’s plant-based capsules, and Kiss the Hippo’s organic compostable pods. These capsules break down naturally within weeks, reducing landfill waste while serving as compost and delivering great-tasting coffee. Pro tip: Check for machine compatibility before purchasing your coffee pods.
What are the best non-toxic Nespresso pods?
For a non-toxic coffee experience, opt for pods made without plastic linings and aluminum. Stainless steel reusable capsules, like those from Evergreen or Perfect POD, eliminate the risk of chemical leaching and last indefinitely. If you prefer single-use options, GRIND and Kiss the Hippo offer home-compostable, plastic-free, and aluminum-free pods.
Get Brewing
You love your morning cup, and now that you know about the many eco-friendly coffee pods available, you can love the planet a little more. From reusable stainless steel and home-compostable coffee pods to eco-friendly Nespresso pods and eco-friendly coffee pods for Keurig machines, there are so many ways to make small shifts that add up to big environmental impacts.
Every time you brew sustainably, you prevent additional landfill waste. Additionally, with the environmentally friendly coffee pods in our list, you can show support with your dollars.
Whether you choose biodegradable Nespresso pods, sustainable K-cups, non-plastic coffee pods, or any other sustainable option, consider the journey of your pod — from production to disposal — and how small choices you make today can create a brighter tomorrow.
While you’re at it, why not take the next step and start your own home composting bin? Your plants will thank you for the richer soil and pest-free growing environment. Snap a selfie with your coffee-loving plants, and tag @ecofriendlycircle to show us your garden. Happy brewing!
