The Sustainability of Coffee Vending: Reducing Environmental Impact, One Cup at a Time
Sustainability initiatives and making eco-friendly choices are commitments we can all applaud.
Within an office setting, standard complimentary coffee offerings are a great target for sustainability improvements. Given how much coffee is consumed in the average office each day, it’s easy to see how this habit could lead to some negative environmental impacts. But it doesn’t have to be that way. At InReach, we are proud to help our clients establish a coffee program in their offices that is as sustainable as it is tasty. Today’s coffee vending machines make it easier than ever to support sustainability by controlling portion sizes, reducing packaging waste, and encouraging reusable mugs.
Coffee Vending With the Environment in Mind
Two Main Points of Concern
How can we reduce the impact of coffee on the environment? There are two primary areas of potential conflict between coffee services and sustainability. The first is how the coffee itself is sourced. If the beans were not grown and harvested using sustainable farming methods, every cup of coffee would come at an unnecessary cost to the planet.
The other area of concern is the potential waste that can be generated through the consumption of coffee. Things like single-use cups, stir sticks and straws, coffee pods, and more can all add up to a significant amount of waste, even in a modestly sized office. Only when both sourcing and waste are managed properly will you and your employees feel good about the coffee you drink each morning.
Finding the Right Sources
At InReach, we are proud to offer Fair Trade Certified coffees that have met all the requirements to earn such a designation. We also take care to find coffee options that have been sustainably grown and harvested. These steps enable you to feel confident in the coffees you make available in your office. Share your priorities with our team at InReach, and we’ll ensure the coffee products you stock reflect those values.
Cutting Down on Harmful Waste
On the waste side of the equation, there are multiple steps that can be taken to cut down on what ends up in the landfill. As a starting point, office coffee machines and coffee machine vending options that dispense drinks directly into reusable mugs will take single-use cups out of the equation. Also, for the accessories that are a part of the process, we make it a point to source responsible options that aren’t harmful to the environment. Those components include compostable pods and plant-based utensils. We also have eco-friendly cups available for when a reusable cup or mug isn’t a practical option. Knowing your coffee program is designed to align with best sustainability practices helps your team feel good about enjoying their daily cup of joe.
Building the Right-Sized Coffee Program
Sourcing coffee from the right places and cutting down on unnecessary plastic waste will go a long way toward creating a sustainable, responsible coffee program. At InReach, we customize your workplace coffee program to match your unique culture and your employees’ favorite beverages. Our state-of-the-art coffee vending machines offer 24/7 access to rich, delicious coffee along with flexible, contactless payment options that include mobile wallet, card, and cash. We handle your inventory, required machine maintenance, and offer responsive restocking so you get an eco-friendly coffee vending program that practically runs itself.
More Sustainable Coffee Service Starts Here
Every office deserves great coffee, and the environment deserves coffee services that are managed in a responsible, sustainable manner. Both of those things are InReach when you partner with us to create a customized coffee program to serve your building. We are ready to get started today, so contact our team at your convenience to learn more about what we offer!