Rediscover the Greenest Way to Make Coffee

The unplugged French Press is as economical and environmental as it is flavorful.

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bodum crema french press coffee maker from starbucks

Photo: Bodum

By David Montalvo

The greenest way of preparing coffee at home is the French press, which reduces the amount of energy, water and disposable product required.

Unlike most countertop coffee machines, French presses are manual. They are much better than the electronic options that are left plugged in and consume a steady stream of energy to keep water continuously hot. They also don't require paper filters or plastic pods, one-time-use items that fill up your trash bin and add to our landfills.

You also save water and energy. Just boil the amount of water you need for your cup in an electric kettle. Many models now on the market are more energy-efficient, and they automatically shut-off when your water is ready.

Just add one spoonful of coarsely ground coffee grains to the French press for every cup of coffee. Let it sit in the hot water for four minutes, while the flavor and the oils are released for the much-desired morning coffee kick. And voila!

Even the French press itself can be green, like the one by Bodum made with 30% post-consumer material called CREMA. And if you're composting or gardening, the used coffee grounds are also a good source of nitrogen.

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