Keurig...you can't DO BETTER?

[Judique]

I tried hard to become environmentally focused with my Keurig waste this morning.

First, stripped the top of - it appears to be made of foil and plastic bonded together. Not sure if that is recyclable.

Next, emptied most of the grounds into a container to add to my garden compost. Quite a bit of coffee grounds were still stuck to the paper filter liner. I rinsed and rinsed and it was still pretty dirty (not sure how people reuse these - I won't be trying.)

Tore the paper filter out but still had a small ring of foil/plastic embedded in the top of the plastic cup.

At that point I tossed the rest in the trash. I guess I will still be filling the landfills each morning with my daily cup of coffee.

 

[NCRedding]

I only make one cup a day, weekdays. It would be much more wasteful for me to brew a small pot each day. A singular serve coffeemaker is perfect for me.

I am the same way. I drink one cup of coffee a day, so the Keurig is perfect for me. I recently found a local office supply company that sells the pods individually for 65 cents a piece, so I get to try lots of variety without a lot of waste.

 

[ssawka]

The ironic thing about this thread is that it is discussing the environmental issues of using a Keurig on the Internet, which relies on computers, which fill our landfills (or are incinerated releasing hazardous materials) when they are outdated. Yes, there is e-cycling, but that has its own environmental issues. As PPs have said, maybe there are bigger issues that we can spend our time and energy debating.

 

[ChiCat]

I got my keurig as a gift. When my bunn broke I started using my keurig on a daily basis. Those kcups are expensive! And then coffee is weaker than I like, so I bought the reusable filter and cafe bustelo espresso coffee, now my keurig is perfect. Well I still prefer my bunn but I'll wait till the keurig breaks and then I'll get another bunn.

 

[tourguide81]

It boggles my mind how few of you seem to care about the waste you create. It does matter. Every little bit adds up. Every k cup, every bag, every diaper.

Am I perfect? No. However, I try very much to reduce our waste and carbon footprint. We use cloth bags, cloth diapers, no paper towels, no paper napkins, etc. These are easy, simple changes everyone could do.

I think it's funny that self-described coffee snobs are drinking kcups. It's fine coffee, but I wouldn't call it coffee snob level.

If you only drink one cup and are so concerned about wasting coffee from a drip pot, just get a French press. Much better results, no waste & they come is many sizes.

I wish most disposable one time use things were either banned or super super expensive so people would think twice.

The pp who said we are sacrificing everything for the sake of convenience is right. Just because you can afford to buy something doesn't mean it isn't wasteful or have an impact on the earth or a person.

 

[luvmy3]

It boggles my mind how few of you seem to care about the waste you create. It does matter. Every little bit adds up. Every k cup, every bag, every diaper.

Am I perfect? No. However, I try very much to reduce our waste and carbon footprint. We use cloth bags, cloth diapers, no paper towels, no paper napkins, etc. These are easy, simple changes everyone could do.

I think it's funny that self-described coffee snobs are drinking kcups. It's fine coffee, but I wouldn't call it coffee snob level.

If you only drink one cup and are so concerned about wasting coffee from a drip pot, just get a French press. Much better results, no waste & they come is many sizes.

I wish most disposable one time use things were either banned or super super expensive so people would think twice.

The pp who said we are sacrificing everything for the sake of convenience is right. Just because you can afford to buy something doesn't mean it isn't wasteful or have an impact on the earth or a person.

 

[katied718]

It boggles my mind how few of you seem to care about the waste you create. It does matter. Every little bit adds up. Every k cup, every bag, every diaper.

Am I perfect? No. However, I try very much to reduce our waste and carbon footprint. We use cloth bags, cloth diapers, no paper towels, no paper napkins, etc. These are easy, simple changes everyone could do.

I think it's funny that self-described coffee snobs are drinking kcups. It's fine coffee, but I wouldn't call it coffee snob level.

If you only drink one cup and are so concerned about wasting coffee from a drip pot, just get a French press. Much better results, no waste & they come is many sizes.

I wish most disposable one time use things were either banned or super super expensive so people would think twice.

The pp who said we are sacrificing everything for the sake of convenience is right. Just because you can afford to buy something doesn't mean it isn't wasteful or have an impact on the earth or a person.

I think you are referring to me with the "coffee snob" comment. I've been referred to by that name by several friends/family at parties when I won't drink the coffee that they serve cuz it's maxwell house or foldgers or other off brand from a regular coffee maker. I come prepared with my own if I want coffee somewhere. I'm not sure what type of coffee would be considered snob level, but that's cool. My BFF also calls me a high maintenance princess too, but oh well, we all do stuff someone isn't going to appreciate, lol.

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

It boggles my mind how few of you seem to care about the waste you create. It does matter. Every little bit adds up. Every k cup, every bag, every diaper.

Am I perfect? No. However, I try very much to reduce our waste and carbon footprint. We use cloth bags, cloth diapers, no paper towels, no paper napkins, etc. These are easy, simple changes everyone could do.

I think it's funny that self-described coffee snobs are drinking kcups. It's fine coffee, but I wouldn't call it coffee snob level.

If you only drink one cup and are so concerned about wasting coffee from a drip pot, just get a French press. Much better results, no waste & they come is many sizes.

I wish most disposable one time use things were either banned or super super expensive so people would think twice.

The pp who said we are sacrificing everything for the sake of convenience is right. Just because you can afford to buy something doesn't mean it isn't wasteful or have an impact on the earth or a person.

If this is all it takes to boggle your mind, you must be boggled easily.

 

[sookie]

I have a Keurig because I do not drink coffee every day. It is easier for me to have a single serve system. At this point, if I go out and buy a new system - I'm creating more waste.

 

[Evi]

It boggles my mind how few of you seem to care about the waste you create. It does matter. Every little bit adds up. Every k cup, every bag, every diaper.

Am I perfect? No. However, I try very much to reduce our waste and carbon footprint. We use cloth bags, cloth diapers, no paper towels, no paper napkins, etc. These are easy, simple changes everyone could do.

I think it's funny that self-described coffee snobs are drinking kcups. It's fine coffee, but I wouldn't call it coffee snob level.

If you only drink one cup and are so concerned about wasting coffee from a drip pot, just get a French press. Much better results, no waste & they come is many sizes.

I wish most disposable one time use things were either banned or super super expensive so people would think twice.

The pp who said we are sacrificing everything for the sake of convenience is right. Just because you can afford to buy something doesn't mean it isn't wasteful or have an impact on the earth or a person.

Sorry but you need to have your save the world lecture elsewhere. You don't know what other people do in their home or how they impact the environment. I am sure that my carbon footprint is spotless in comparison to yours. As stated earlier not all kcup users are doing so irresponsibly. In the end their really are bigger issues, Disposable diapers, plastic bags, water bottles, oil, coal consumption, inappropriate disposal of toxic waste products just to name a few. I think society needs better education and yeah maybe big industry could use some regulating.

Its great that your trying to do your part and I think its great that you care. But repeating the same things that has been repeated before doesn't change anything. Had you come on here with a recipe for cold brew coffee offering people an alternative for fast tasty coffee would be more productive and actually may change some opinions. But just complaining and saying oh look this is what I do doesn't educate or change other peoples opinions.

 

[mhsjax]

It boggles my mind how few of you seem to care about the waste you create. It does matter. Every little bit adds up. Every k cup, every bag, every diaper.

Am I perfect? No. However, I try very much to reduce our waste and carbon footprint. We use cloth bags, cloth diapers, no paper towels, no paper napkins, etc. These are easy, simple changes everyone could do.

I think it's funny that self-described coffee snobs are drinking kcups. It's fine coffee, but I wouldn't call it coffee snob level.

If you only drink one cup and are so concerned about wasting coffee from a drip pot, just get a French press. Much better results, no waste & they come is many sizes.

I wish most disposable one time use things were either banned or super super expensive so people would think twice.

The pp who said we are sacrificing everything for the sake of convenience is right. Just because you can afford to buy something doesn't mean it isn't wasteful or have an impact on the earth or a person.

Well sorry, but when I hear about global warming and I experience here in Florida, our first freeze in October, that theory goes right out the window. Not to mention watching the weather up north. So anything that come out of the mouths of these scientists, falls on deaf ears.

 

[leahjade]

The ironic thing about this thread is that it is discussing the environmental issues of using a Keurig on the Internet, which relies on computers, which fill our landfills (or are incinerated releasing hazardous materials) when they are outdated.

Good point especially the people who buy new phones, computers and tablets every year to upgrade and get the newest coolest gadget!

This thread reminds me of Al Gore who while making a documentary on global warming was living in a 20-room home and pool house that devoured nearly 221,000 kilowatt-hours - more than 20 times the national average of 10,656 kilowatt-hours.
Or celebrities who are telling us to recycle and buy green while they are flying around in private jets and driving in limos that get 3 miles to the gallon, not to mention owning three or four mansions and vacation homes!

 

[4GoofyCrew]

Sort of like how Huggies KNOWS that disposable diapers are bad for the environment yet they continue to make them? And we continue to use them?

You could use the 'don't care about the environment' thing for probably 95% of the products made in this world. Even advances made to 'help' the environment - lithium battery cars, for example - tend to be just as bad as the original problem, it is just a different evil.

 

[bdcp]

Well sorry, but when I hear about global warming and I experience here in Florida, our first freeze in October, that theory goes right out the window. Not to mention watching the weather up north. So anything that come out of the mouths of these scientists, falls on deaf ears.

Most of the "scientists" that Al Gore used weren't even experts in weather or climate. He's also the biggest hypocrite in the world. He happens to make a bundle off of his stance via selling carbon credits. We really don't have enough data over a long enough period of time to say that the climate is actually changing. I remember vividly the early 1970's when these "experts" said we were entering another ice age. Really? Where'd that go to?

Most meteorologists will tell you weather is cyclical and sun spots play a part.

I love my Keurig, but we do not use it everyday as we make a pot of coffee. We've always just thrown our empty k-cups away. Part of the problem with recycling is even things that can be recycled and are put out as such, never get recycled. Most facilities have way too much to process.

 

[Nina1]

Good point especially the people who buy new phones, computers and tablets every year to upgrade and get the newest coolest gadget!

This thread reminds me of Al Gore who while making a documentary on global warming was living in a 20-room home and pool house that devoured nearly 221,000 kilowatt-hours - more than 20 times the national average of 10,656 kilowatt-hours.
Or celebrities who are telling us to recycle and buy green while they are flying around in private jets and driving in limos that get 3 miles to the gallon, not to mention owning three or four mansions and vacation homes!

Very well said!!! Kudos.

 

[mhsjax]

Most of the "scientists" that Al Gore used weren't even experts in weather or climate. He's also the biggest hypocrite in the world. He happens to make a bundle off of his stance via selling carbon credits. We really don't have enough data over a long enough period of time to say that the climate is actually changing. I remember vividly the early 1970's when these "experts" said we were entering another ice age. Really? Where'd that go to?

Most meteorologists will tell you weather is cyclical and sun spots play a part.

I love my Keurig, but we do not use it everyday as we make a pot of coffee. We've always just thrown our empty k-cups away. Part of the problem with recycling is even things that can be recycled and are put out as such, never get recycled. Most facilities have way too much to process.

HaHa Yep, Al Gore, the words I have for him would probably cost me points.

 

[Robbi]

We have a Keurig, drink several cups of coffee a day and enjoy every one.
Those going on about the cups not being recyclable and that this fact bothers you, please explain your use of cellphones, computers, other electronic devices, automobiles, plane travel, etc. If you're willing to give up your computer use and cellphones, I'll give up my Keurig.

 

[tourguide81]

Sorry but you need to have your save the world lecture elsewhere. You don't know what other people do in their home or how they impact the environment. I am sure that my carbon footprint is spotless in comparison to yours. As stated earlier not all kcup users are doing so irresponsibly. In the end their really are bigger issues, Disposable diapers, plastic bags, water bottles, oil, coal consumption, inappropriate disposal of toxic waste products just to name a few. I think society needs better education and yeah maybe big industry could use some regulating.

Its great that your trying to do your part and I think its great that you care. But repeating the same things that has been repeated before doesn't change anything. Had you come on here with a recipe for cold brew coffee offering people an alternative for fast tasty coffee would be more productive and actually may change some opinions. But just complaining and saying oh look this is what I do doesn't educate or change other peoples opinions.

Thanks for letting me know what my post content should include, so helpful.

If your carbon footprint is so much smaller than mine, presumably you care very much about the environment as well - so why not share what you do to reduce your footprint, maybe we could all learn a few things!

How would you suggest we change minds? Isn't offering your story part of that process? Isn't discussion and debate part of it as well?

I was responding in part to the posters who were basically saying, "Kcups are no big deal, what about diapers/bags/pads,etc." My point was, some of use who are anti kcup already do all of those things. My point was also that it is very easy to make small changes that add up to a bigger impact. Because those smaller things do certainly add up.

Global warming aside, I'm not debating the naysayers on that, can you (the general you) not see that waste that can't be composted or recycled as to go somewhere? The more you produce, the more that has to be processed/stored.

I am not aware of any very quick and also good tasting way to make coffee that produces little to no waste, if it exists, I'd love to know. Using a french press takes less than 10 minutes. Cold brew coffee is very little hands on time, maybe 2-3 minutes, but does need to sit several hours or over night.

 

[tourguide81]

We have a Keurig, drink several cups of coffee a day and enjoy every one.
Those going on about the cups not being recyclable and that this fact bothers you, please explain your use of cellphones, computers, other electronic devices, automobiles, plane travel, etc. If you're willing to give up your computer use and cellphones, I'll give up my Keurig.

Do you not get that single-use disposable items are different than cars or phones that get used for years?

It isn't all or nothing, sure, but just b/c I still have a car (w/ great gas mileage that is 7 years old) doesn't mean I can't make a lot of other good choices.

Your "argument" just makes no sense. You are basically saying, we either need to be perfect or say screw it and do whatever we want, who cares about waste and impact.

Using Kcups is comparable to using paper towels, disposable diapers, paper napkins, individual water bottles, & plastic grocery bags not driving a car or having a phone.

 

[Robbi]

Do you not get that single-use disposable items are different than cars or phones that get used for years?

It isn't all or nothing, sure, but just b/c I still have a car (w/ great gas mileage that is 7 years old) doesn't mean I can't make a lot of other good choices.

Your "argument" just makes no sense. You are basically saying, we either need to be perfect or say screw it and do whatever we want, who cares about waste and impact.

Using Kcups is comparable to using paper towels, disposable diapers, paper napkins, individual water bottles, & plastic grocery bags not driving a car or having a phone.

Yes, I get it. It's ok for you to drive an automobile that causes pollution - saying it gets good gas mileage does not negate the fact that it still burns fuel. You rationalize, I rationalize.