It is clear that the modern coffee drinker is concerned about using eco-friendly products that promote sustainability and fair pricing. The question for office managers is what constitutes the most eco-friendly option for office coffee consumption? The answer comes down to how one prefers coffee to be brewed.

When you compare energy use between automatic drip and single cup machines, it is pretty much a wash on a cost-per-cup basis. In some cases, newer single serve machines may even be slightly more energy-efficient. However, in the grand scheme of things, the amount of packaging required for single cup versus drip machines gives the clear advantage to the automatic drip model. In terms of environmental impact related to waste, the drip coffee machine is more eco-friendly.

With that said, it is evidence that more Americans prefer the single-cup method of brewing. So do their office managers. So in the single-cup arena, let us discuss the most eco-friendly options.

1. Bean-to-Cup Brewers

There is no argument that k-cups produce a tremendous amount of waste that goes into landfills. Furthermore, all of this packaging needs to be manufactured prior to coffee processing and packing. That means energy resources are being consumed as well. Currently, single cup brewers are the least environmentally friendly way to produce a single cup of coffee.  There are other single cup solutions that have coffee capsules that are 100% fully recyclable.

The most eco-friendly option is the bean-to-cup brewer.  Many of these brewers offer a high quality cup of coffee and several types of coffee drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, espresso-style coffee, mochaccino, hot chocolate and more.  The beans and powder are packaged in bulk which reduces the packaging and the price.  There is no waste generated for an individual cup.

2. The Single Cup Pod

A number of companies have decided to compete directly with single cup manufacturers by producing biodegradable pods. They provide the same convenience as the single cup but in a package that can be discarded without a significant environmental impact. The pods are generally priced lower than the more popular single serve options and produce a quality cup of coffee.  The downside is there are fewer choices in pods.  However, for most office managers – the choices will be sufficient.  The equipment has also been recently improved.

Galaxie Coffee understands that having eco-friendly office coffee options is important to many of our customers. To that end, we strive to provide a full line of single cup and single pot options for the broadest appeal possible. We invite you to check out our full selection of single serve coffee products on our website. Do not forget that we also offer traditional coffee products, bottled water, tea, and a whole lot more. We are proud to serve the New York area with complete beverage and break room service.