Caffeine is often considered the fuel that powers the workplace,
with coffee being one of the most popular sources. Globally, over
two billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. In South Africa
alone, an estimated three billion cups are enjoyed annually.
However, few consider the environmental impact of the coffee
industry, especially the significant waste generated throughout its
production and consumption.
The journey from bean to cup is resource-intensive and wasteful.
Substantial waste is produced at every stage, from cultivation and
processing to brewing and serving. Most notably, used coffee
grounds from cafés and restaurants often end up in
landfills, where they decompose and emit methane, a greenhouse gas
far more potent than carbon dioxide. This creates a vicious cycle:
the high demand for coffee leads to increased waste and emissions,
which in turn exacerbate climate change. Climate change then
threatens coffee production itself, as rising temperatures
