Unable to imagine a day without drinking a single cup of coffee for the 72% of French people who say they consume it daily, as it is an integral part of our habits. Combined with nights that are too short, and days that drag on long, very often, its consumption is saving. This energizing crutch is not without consequences for the environment. We give you our advice to continue to appreciate its scent without blushing.
Say yes to labels
19m² of forest are deforested on average to satisfy the annual coffee consumption of a Frenchman, estimated the association Envol vert in 2018. The Basic (Bureau of societal analysis for citizen information) denounces the use of chemicals to prevent diseases of coffee trees. But the millions of coffee producers also suffer from the under-remuneration of their production, to the profit of a handful of distributors and roasters who share the market.
How, then, can you continue to sip your coffee without feeling guilty? The French Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe) offers four labels to which to refer: "Organic farming", "UTZ certified", "Rainforest Alliance" and "Fairtrade Max Havelaar".
The optimal choice, according to Anne Boisse, of the Fair Trade France platform? "Associate the organic label with the fair trade label, to respect both human beings and the planet".
Backtrack
Increasingly sophisticated, automatic coffee makers are often very energy-consuming. Pauline Debrabandere, project manager at the Zero Waste France association, recommends returning to machines that require less energy to run on fuel and produce little or no waste. "An Italian or French press coffee maker will make coffee just as good," she explains.
If you do not plan to part with your coffee maker yet, unplug it after each use. "Even when turned off, small household appliances consume because of hidden watches," reports Ademe. To keep it longer, "remember to descale it every month". And if you ever want to buy a new one, check its energy label before buying.
An alternative to aluminum capsules
Put your aluminum coffee pods in the cupboard. They represent more than half of the coffees consumed while their existence is an obstacle course.
Manufacturing one tonne of aluminum requires four tonnes of bauxite, a precious mineral whose extraction causes the release of carcinogenic metals. The problem is that their recycling remains in its infancy: only 20% of the Nespresso brand coffee capsules, the most widespread, are recycled. So switch to reusable capsules or fully biodegradable capsules, which have recently appeared.
To limit detritus, buy your coffee in bulk and keep it in an airtight container to preserve its aromas. Finally, if you use a filter coffee maker, invest in a reusable filter, in linen or stainless steel, and remember to use only brown filters. "Whitewashed with chlorine or oxygen, white filters are more harmful to the environment", decrypts Pauline Debrabandere.
Show off your best mug
The cups that contain your coffee, whether plastic or cardboard, are an environmental aberration. "Companies are very proud to have adopted cardboard cups, but in fact, in terms of environmental impact, the two are equal," protests Pauline Debrabandere.
My Earth Newsletter
Each week, environmental news seen by Le ParisienI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to allow you to receive our news and commercial offers. Find out more
The thin plastic film inside the cup, which keeps it airtight, gives a lot of trouble when it is recycled. “Separating plastic and cardboard requires more energy,” says the project manager.
So challenge yourself to stop the cups and draw your most extravagant mug or thermos. You will follow the fashion of the moment since this practice is on the rise in Parisian cafes. "About 20% of our customers bring their own containers to take their coffee," says Claire Longathe, co-manager of "ONI coffee-shop", cozy tea room on boulevard Saint-Martin (Paris, Xe).
Do not hesitate to inquire around you, different establishments offer discounts on their coffee if you come with your own container, like La Recyclerie, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.
Le Parisien, partner of the consultation "How to act together now for the environment?" ”, Initiated by Make.org, invites you to vote on the proposals made by Internet users in the module below. You will be informed of the results in February.
