Sustainable Coffee
What It Means and Why It Matters
Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up- it's a ritual, comfort, and an essential part of daily life for millions worldwide. But how often do we consider the journey our coffee takes before reaching our cups, or what happens to the cup after every drop is savoured?
At TOAST, sustainability is woven into every step of that journey, from bean to cup and beyond. Today's blog post explores what sustainable coffee truly means, why it matters, and how we lead by example.
What Is Sustainable Coffee?
Sustainable coffee refers to coffee produced in ways that minimise environmental impact and support the well-being of the communities involved in its cultivation. The term also encompasses ethical sourcing, ecological preservation, and social responsibility.
Rainforest Alliance Certified:
Our high-street blend, used in all our branches, is Rainforest Alliance certified, ensuring that our coffee is ethically sourced and ecologically sustainable. This certification preserves natural resources and indigenous wildlife in coffee-growing regions and guarantees that farmers and workers receive fair wages, decent housing, healthcare, and education.
Repurposing Coffee Grounds:
Sustainability doesn't end with sourcing. We extend it further to the other end of the life cycle of a coffee bean: afer it's used.
We collaborate with local organic flower growers to repurpose our used coffee grounds into nutrient-rich fertiliser, helping grow strong and beautiful blooms for weddings and celebrations. On special occasions, you'll even find vases of flowers grown this way in TOAST branches.
You, too, can pick up a bag of used coffee grounds- or "black gold" at your local branch. They're free to take home and are great to add to your compost heap (or added to another medium as a mulch).
Our Commitment to Sustainability:
Sustainability is about doing the right thing. That's why we have chosen takeaway packaging that fits our sustainability goals and brand ethos. We believe that a cup of great tasting, award-winning coffee shouldn't cost the earth, and thanks to our various initiatives, it doesn't.
100% Recyclable Takeaway Cups:
Our revolutionary takeaway cups are 100% recyclable, compostable and carbon neutral. They're also biodegradable, meaning you can even put them in your home compost bin.
Sourcing local:
We partner with other independent and small British suppliers to reduce food miles and support the local economy, ensuring fresher, higher-quality ingredients for our menu.
Zero Waste to Landfill:
Absolutely nothing from our coffee houses goes to landfill. Not even a crumb. All our waste is turned into energy that is fed back into the National Grid or recycled into a new product.
Limited Wastage:
We make everything to order or fresh on the day to reduce wastage. You'll also find us on the Too Good to Go food app, rehoming cakes and sweet treats near their use-by date but still good to eat.
Why Does It Matter?
The coffee industry is known for its significant environmental footprint, from water usage during the cultivation of the coffee crop to single-use plastics in takeaway cups.
By choosing sustainable options for all our branches, we help combat climate change, reduce waste, protect ecosystems, and contribute to a greener, more conscious world.
Together, we can ensure that coffee continues to be a source of joy and comfort without costing the planet.
We're not just serving coffee but brewing a better future, one cup at a time.
