From Waste to Wonder Workshops
Coffee Grounds
Coffee is more than just a drink—it brings people together and fuels daily rituals around the world. But, as much as we love it, coffee also comes with its share of environmental challenges, particularly when it comes to waste. I’m working on turning those challenges into opportunities by exploring innovative, eco-friendly solutions for coffee waste.
Why?
With over 400 billion cups of coffee enjoyed around the world every year, it’s safe to say coffee is one of our favorite drinks, right behind water and tea. But all that sipping leads to a lot of waste—around 60 million tons of coffee grounds! While some of it gets reused as compost or fertilizer, most of it ends up in landfills, taking months to break down and releasing harmful greenhouse gases in the process.
Where?
But coffee waste doesn't have to be trash. Cafes, roasters, restaurants, and even homes produce coffee grounds that are often seen as useless but can be repurposed. The best part? Most places are happy to give them away for free.
How?
I reach out to local cafes and businesses, ask for their used coffee grounds, and pick them up. Then, I dry the grounds—either by air-drying them for a few days or using a dehydrator for faster results. Once dried, they’re ready to be stored and used in the workshops. This simple process helps reduce waste while opening up new possibilities for reusing materials that would otherwise go to waste.