Coffee: The Hidden Environmental Cost of Melbourne’s Favorite Drink

Coffee is an important part of the city’s culture, but its production has negative environmental impacts that are exacerbated as global demand increases. Deforestation for coffee cultivation poses a risk to biodiversity and contributes to climate change. According to The Guardian (2018), 2 million hectares of forest were destroyed between 2001 and 2015 to make way for coffee plantations, increasing carbon emissions.  Smithsonian (2020) showed that forests absorb 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and their destruction deepens global warming.

Coffee grown under the shade is an environmental alternative, preserving biodiversity and reducing deforestation, while improving coffee quality, according to the Smithsonian. As coffee consumption increases, so does the problem of waste from coffee bottles and single-use cups.  The  Australian Broadcasting Corporation report (2020) noted that this waste accumulates in landfills and takes decades to decompose.

Coffee beans come from farms in South America, Africa, and Asia, and require huge amounts of fuel to transport, increasing the carbon footprint of each cup, according to the International Coffee Organization (2022). However, there are increasing efforts to produce sustainable coffee.  The Fair Trade report (2020) explained that supporting farms that rely on environmentally friendly agricultural techniques can reduce environmental impact.

In Melbourne, many coffee shops are starting to reduce the use of single-use cups.  The Sustainability Victoria report (2021) noted that the use of reusable cups represents an effective step in reducing waste and supporting sustainability.

Choosing between sustainable coffee and reusable cups can reduce the environmental impact of this drink and contribute to preserving the environment for future generations.