Aug 07, 2024
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Brewing a Sustainable Future
At GESHA Coffee Co., we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and believe that every small step contributes to a larger impact. Our dedication to sustainability extends to every aspect of our operations, including how we handle our waste and materials.
Here’s a closer look at how we’re working to reduce landfill, promote recycling, and support local community initiatives.
Repurposing our hessian coffee bags
We partner with farmers around the world to source high-quality green coffee beans, which arrive at our roasting warehouse in their rawest form, always packed in hessian bags. Once we unpack the beans and prepare them for roasting, the hessian bags are no longer needed. We are always seeking creative ways to repurpose these bags.
In collaboration with local shelters and community organisations, our hessian bags are sometimes transformed into dog beds! Hessian cloth is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for dogs prone to allergic reactions. Layered hessian bedding is cosy and warm without being too heavy, providing comfortable resting spots for our furry friends.
Additionally, hessian bags are excellent as weed mats under mulch, planting trees in wetlands, and collecting leaves and garden waste. We support local landscapers and gardeners by providing our hessian bags for their projects, offering practical solutions for garden maintenance and waste management.
We’ve also supported various local organisations that use our hessian bags for upholstering furniture, creating cushions, and other decorative projects.
Coffee chaff and grounds
Coffee chaff is the innermost skin of the coffee fruit. Before we begin the roasting process, we remove the coffee chaff by separating and collecting in a special waste compartment. Our coffee chaff and used coffee grounds are valuable resources for gardeners, offering several benefits. Coffee grounds add acidity and nitrogen to garden soil, helping plants thrive and improving soil quality. They can be sprinkled directly onto flower beds or composted. By recycling coffee chaff and grounds, we reduce waste while providing gardeners with effective and eco-friendly soil amendments.
Recycling styrofoam
We understand the environmental impact of packaging materials, which is why we ensure that all styrofoam used in our operations is recycled at a specialised facility. By doing so, we help reduce waste and support a circular economy, contributing to a cleaner and greener planet.
How can you make a difference at home?
You can also contribute to sustainability in your own coffee routines. Here are a few simple ways to make your coffee habits more eco-friendly:
- Compost your coffee grounds: Instead of tossing your used coffee grounds, add them to your compost bin or garden. They’re rich in nutrients and can help enrich your soil.
- Feed your greens: Mix coffee grounds into your garden soil to add essential nutrients. Coffee grounds are particularly beneficial for acid-loving plants like roses, azaleas, and blueberries. Just sprinkle the grounds around the base of the plants and gently work them into the soil.
- Make a natural pest repellent: Coffee grounds can deter pests like slugs and snails. Sprinkle a ring of used coffee grounds around plants that are prone to these pests to help keep them at bay.
- Face and body scrub: Those tiny grains of coffee are the perfect no-fuss, low-cost scrub for your body and face. Scrubbing the face with coffee grounds can help to clear away dead skin cells and unclog the pores.
- Mosquito deterrent: Spread used coffee grounds around areas where mosquitoes are likely to breed, such as near stagnant water, flower beds, and garden paths. The grounds can help to create a barrier that mosquitoes avoid.
For more tips on sustainable coffee habits and to stay updated on our latest initiatives, follow us on social media and explore our website.