Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew: Which is More Sustainable?
When it comes to our daily cup of coffee, many of us think about the taste, the caffeine boost, and maybe the brewing method. But have you ever wondered which method is more sustainable? With growing awareness around environmental impact, choosing an eco-friendly brew method can be another way to reduce our footprint. In this blog post, we’ll break down the environmental aspects of cold brew and hot brew coffee to help you decide which is the greener choice for your next cup.
1. Energy Savings: The Cold Brew Advantage
One of the biggest sustainability benefits of cold brew is that it doesn’t require any heat. Brewing hot coffee requires boiling water, which consumes energy—especially if you’re using an electric kettle or coffee maker multiple times a day.
Cold brew, on the other hand, relies on time rather than heat. By steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, you save the energy normally used to boil water. If you’re looking to reduce your electricity usage, especially over the summer months, switching to cold brew can be an easy and effective change.
2. Waste Reduction: Reusable Jars and Minimal Equipment
Making cold brew at home typically requires only two items: a jar and a filter or strainer. Many cold brew enthusiasts use glass jars or bottles, which are reusable and durable. Compared to single-serve coffee pods or paper filters used in some hot brew methods, the minimal equipment needed for cold brew is a win for sustainability.
With hot brew, especially when using single-use coffee pods, there’s often more waste generated. Though there are reusable filter options, many people still use disposable ones, which add up over time. Cold brew made in reusable jars, on the other hand, can help cut down on daily coffee waste.
3. Water Usage: A Balanced Consideration
Cold brew requires more coffee grounds than traditional hot brew for a concentrated extraction, which some might argue uses more resources in terms of water used to cultivate coffee. However, cold brew concentrate can be diluted to extend its use, allowing for fewer brews overall.
Hot brew methods often allow you to use a smaller amount of coffee grounds, but because they’re brewed at high temperatures, they can release coffee oils and flavors more quickly. In other words, both hot and cold brew have different efficiencies when it comes to coffee and water usage.
4. Eco-Friendly Brewing Options for Cold Brew
If you want to make your cold brew as eco-friendly as possible, consider using fair-trade, organic, or sustainably grown coffee beans, which often support environmentally friendly farming practices. When paired with reusable equipment, these beans can help reduce the environmental impact of your coffee habit.
In addition, you can get creative with your cold brew by composting the used coffee grounds instead of throwing them out. Coffee grounds are nutrient-rich and can be used in gardens or for household plants, so they’re a great addition to your eco-friendly routine.
5. The Verdict: A Balanced Approach
So, which is more sustainable—cold brew or hot brew? Ultimately, it depends on your coffee habits and how you approach each method. Cold brew may edge out hot brew slightly in terms of energy efficiency, especially during warmer months when heating water isn’t necessary. It also benefits from the option to use reusable jars and containers, making it a low-waste choice.
However, making an environmentally friendly choice doesn’t have to mean committing to only one method. You can enjoy both cold and hot coffee sustainably by incorporating practices like using reusable equipment, choosing eco-conscious coffee beans, and composting your grounds.
Conclusion
The choice between cold brew and hot brew coffee isn’t just about taste—it’s also a chance to consider our impact on the planet. Both methods have their environmental benefits, but if energy savings and waste reduction are top priorities, cold brew offers a more sustainable option, especially for coffee lovers in warmer climates. Whichever brew you choose, a few thoughtful choices can make a big difference for the environment.
Happy sipping, and here’s to enjoying coffee more sustainably!
