Switching to Reusable K-cups Saves Money and the Planet

Switching to Reusable K-cups Saves Money and the Planet

by | Jul 23, 2021 | People and Planet First, Protect the Planet

Joyful Change

If you are a fan of single-cup brewing systems, a simple switch to replacing single-use, pre-filled plastic pods with washable and reusable k-cups will save you money and put less plastic on our planet as well. Trust me. I made the switch and have never turned back.

I wasn’t an early adopter of single serve coffee machines. I liked brewing pots of coffee and it didn’t seem like a necessary switch. As my sons grew into early adulthood and our household became busier with family and friends, I gave in and bought a Keurig machine. I am now among the 40% of Americans who own a single-cup brewing system.1

From the start, I didn’t like the thought of using all that plastic per cup of coffee. 

I tried to overlook the amount of plastic we were throwing away and the amount of money I was spending on pre-filled coffee pods. I didn’t realize how much more costly these little convenient, pre-filled plastic coffee pods were.

It’s been estimated that using pre-filled k-cups costs 5 times more than brewing coffee. 

My enjoyment of coffee started to wane when I would select coffee pods based on which brand was on sale versus choosing the coffee I wanted to drink. I realized I needed to make a change for my wallet and for the planet so that I could get back to enjoying drinking coffee again.

When I purchased the single-serve coffee machine it came with a reusable pod but we didn’t use it much at first. I purchased two more reusable pods just like the original one so that we could have pods in rotation for mornings and group gatherings.

Now, I purchase the coffee I want to drink based on what matters — flavor, quality and who makes it. 

If I want to enjoy a delicious cup of Larry’s Coffee (a B-corp that makes great coffee) I simply fill my reusable k-cup with the good stuff, insert the pod in the coffee maker, and let the magic happen. The switch to reusable pods was a joyful change for me and the environment. If you would like to eliminate the plastic from a single-serve coffee maker, purchase reusable pods and enjoy your coffee.  

Larry's Coffee and k-cps

1-U.S. ownership of single-cup brewing systems 2005-2020, Statista, 2020

Amy Bates

This experience was shared by OPL CMO Amy Bates.

Learn more about Amy.

Make Your Own Infused Water

Make Your Own Infused Water

by | Jul 14, 2021 | People and Planet First, Quality of Life

Joyful Change

Years ago I found that the best way for me to stay hydrated and to drink more water was to infuse it with nature’s bounty.  The joyful change of simply adding delicious flavors directly from my garden made drinking water a low-calorie and in-expensive treat.

As a naturalist, I am very aware of how important it is to drink an ample amount of water each day. Our amazing bodies need water to function correctly. In fact, most living organisms need water to survive. Every morning, I start my day by drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water. But, here’s my problem:  I do not like the taste of water. I know that water is supposed to be tasteless; however, when I turn on the tap water, I can smell the chlorine and it turns me off. I have a Brita filter, which helps, but I found a much better and delicious solution — infused water.  It tastes great and makes me feel happy.

I love the taste of fresh herbs, fruit, berries, and, sometimes, vegetables in my infused water. It’s like I have a wide variety of spa water at my fingertips.  

 There are many reasons for making this delicious, refreshing treat:

  • It is economical.
  • It takes very little time to prepare.
  • It includes no sugar additives.
  • Using your own creativity, you can make a variety of flavors.
Just think about how fun it would be to create a spa water bar for your summer picnics and barbecues.

Nature infused water a great way to stay hydrated and offers something special and healthy for your guests.

I found experimenting with what is in the growing season in my garden to be the most delicious. Removing citrus rinds before adding them to the water will reduce any of the bitterness.  In place of filtered water, you may want to try carbonated water for a bubbly treat.

Try three of my favorite blends here under Recipes.  If you have your favorite blends for infused water please share them below in our comments.  We’d love to hear from you.

OPL Naturalist Yvonne Dwyer

This experience was shared by OPL Naturalist Yvonne Dwyer.

Learn more about Yvonne.

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