10 Eco-friendly Coffee and Tea Makers

Do you have a daily coffee habit? You’re not alone. You are one of 150 million Americans who drink an average of 3.1 cups of coffee per day.

Perhaps you prefer tea. On any given day, more than 160 million Americans are drinking tea, of which 85% is iced.

Unfortunately, it takes a lot of resources to produce a cup of your favorite beverage. From the farm to your coffee pot, 37 gallons of water are used to produce one cup of coffee. By switching to tea, you can save almost 30 gallons of water per cup!

You care deeply about the environment, but can’t imagine life without your morning cup of Joe, afternoon tea time or iced tea on a hot summer day. What can you do to green your beverage consumption? You can start by purchasing only eco-friendly, Fair Trade Certified coffee and tea. Then, take care to invest in the most eco-friendly products available to brew it.

Here are the top 10 items to green your coffee and tea-making routine!

1. Melitta 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker

A thermal stainless steel pot is preferable to a glass one because metal traps in heat significantly better than glass. This saves a great deal of electricity. Also, the coffee will stay hot for hours inside the pot, without the burner on. This not only saves electricity, but it also ensures that your coffee will not become bitter as it continues to “cook” on the hot plate.

2. Medelco Permanent Coffee Filter

Instead of using a new paper filter every time you brew a pot of coffee, buy a permanent filter. Not only are you helping the environment, but at a mere $4.75, you’re also saving some cash. As a bonus, the filter is dishwasher-safe.

3. If You Care Coffee Filters

If you decide to continue using paper filters, make sure they are unbleached and biodegradable. When you are done brewing your coffee, throw the filter and grounds into your compost pile.

4. Hamilton Beach Single-Serve Scoop Coffee Maker

For those of you who enjoy the convenience of a Keurig, the Hamilton Beach Single Serve Scoop Coffee Maker is a more environmentally friendly option. Unlike most single-serve coffee makers, it does not need to be plugged in at all times to maintain a constant water temperature. Simply plug it in when you’re ready to brew your coffee and unplug it when you’re done. You are able to brew up to 14 ounces of coffee in under two and a half minutes. No pods or special filters are required!

5. Thermos Nissan 34 oz. Stainless Steel Gourmet Coffee Press

If you prefer the full-bodied taste of French press coffee, try the Thermos Nissan Coffee Press. Again, the key here is to use a stainless steel version rather than glass. It will keep your coffee hot for a lot longer. Keep in mind that you will also need to purchase a kettle to boil the water.

6. Simplex Heritage Copper Tea Kettle

Generally speaking, the most energy-efficient way to boil water is on a gas stove. You want to stay away from glass kettles, as they allow heat to escape quickly. A stainless steel kettle will do the job, but if you can afford it, splurge on a copper kettle. Copper is a far better conductor of heat and your water will boil quicker. Get one with a whistle and take care to only heat as much water as you plan to use.

7. Aroma 1-1/2 Liter Cordless Water Kettle

If you’re at the office and need to boil water, an electric kettle is the way to go. They are much more energy efficient than the microwave. By now you know the drill – make sure it’s stainless steel.

8. RSVP Mesh Tea Infuser

Ditch the tea bags and opt for loose-leaf tea instead. In addition to being eco-friendly, loose-leaf tea is often of better quality, has a better flavor, and is less expensive than tea bags. Use a mesh tea infuser rather than single-use paper filters.

9. StainlessLUX Stainless Steel Teapot with Tea Infuser

This stainless steel teapot by StainlessLux comes with a built in tea infuser. A practical and elegant way to serve hot tea to your guests.

10. Bormioli Rocco Frigoverre Jug with Lid

Iced tea is a very popular beverage in American culture, particularly in the South. Instead of boiling water, try making sun tea. You will need a glass pitcher that has a lid. Place your tea infuser in the bottom of the pitcher and fill with water. Set the pitcher out in the sun for 2 to 5 hours, or until the tea becomes dark enough for your liking. In the winter months, you can make iced tea using the cold brew process. This process uses an appliance that is already plugged in – your refrigerator! Let your tea steep for about 6 to 10 hours, or overnight.