Mr. Coffee, Keurig & Nespresso Lovers
Mr. Coffee, Keurig
& Nespresso Lovers
Remember, I am here to share the info so don't be mad at me when I tell you this is a big DITCH!!!
Okay, before you exit the page, let me explain why! And of course, I will share some excellent alternatives that are just as easy, convenient, and not pricey!
First off, the BAD: Why ditch?
Most of these coffee makers contain BPA, which stands for bisphenol-A, which is a chemical used in manufacturing plastics, specifically polycarbonate plastics (these are the most common ones you will see in cans, water bottles, and food storage). It is proven that BPA can leach chemicals into food and drinks that it comes in contact with, including coffee.
Aside from BPA, plastic is made of hundreds to thousands of chemicals, and the European Chemical Agency identified over 400 chemicals that are commonly used in plastics. Many of them are toxic and hazardous!
In fact, a new study found that of 34 everyday plastic products made of 8 types of plastics, they contained 1000 chemicals in the plastics. And 80% of the chemicals were unknown! The shocking part: 74% of the chemicals found were toxic in some way!!!
The Concern
Let's Start with Health Concerns
There are many parts to a coffee maker that would be made of plastic: A water reservoir, tubes, the lid and filtering parts can be made of plastic. Plastic leaches chemicals! Not just BPA, known as a MAJOR endocrine disruptor & cancer-causer, but tons of other terrible chemicals! There have been studies that revealed many of the chemicals released from plastic and leached into foods and drinks like PVCs (polyvinyl chloride), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Add heat, and the heat breaks down the plastic and it leaches chemicals even more!! Research shows that exposing plastic bottles to hot water, leaches chemicals 55% time FASTER!
This does not only happen with boiling water but even in warm weather and warm water! So it is HIGHLY recommended that people don't consume food or beverages from plastic at all!
Is BPA-FREE Enough?
Sadly, no. Research has shown that there are still estrogenic chemicals that often leach from BPA-free plastic products that are used as replacements for BPA-containing polycarbonate products. Studies show that even ACRYLIC, POLYSTYRENE, POLYETHERSULFONE, & TRITAN resins leached chemicals with estrogen activity!
Environmental Concerns
Did you know that Keurig was in a lawsuit (and lost) because their marketing of recycling K-Cup pods are misleading! It was revealed that the company's plan to recycle was illogical because of the type of plastic they use! The size and weight is too small to be recyclable by ANY recycling facility. They switched from #7 plastics to #5 plastics as an improvement, but guess what, they are still too small to be recycled! Not only this but A dark, wet environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Financial Concerns
Many think this format of making coffee is more effective but Business Insider researched this and guess what they found?: Using K-Cups costs up to 5 times more than getting coffee from a pot! How so?
Regular coffee costs roughly $190/year while pod users cost nearly $800!
Keurig and the like cost about $50/lb while even the high-end, completely toxin-free coffee is never more than $25/lb!
Alright for the Good News: there are some GREAT & convenient Options!
Non-Toxic Coffee Makers:
- Percolator: this https://amzn.to/3u7cDM3 is made of stainless steel & completely free of plastic!
- https://amzn.to/39tiDXw same company and is cheaper but the handle on top is made of plastic. This does NOT come in contact with your coffee though.
- Chemex: https://amzn.to/3m41oBv is made of glass. This is the one I have because it makes the most cups of coffee. In my opinion, this is by far makes the BEST tasting coffee! Supposedly, making coffee this way helps decrease acidity as well!
- https://amzn.to/3uloAy7 FILTER for Chemex (I prefer the paper but they do make stainless steel one)
- Pour Over Filter: I am super excited to try https://amzn.to/3ubfmUG because it seems so easy and fast! It doesn't come with a container or cup; you would just use your own. A personal cup of coffee.
- This would be good with an electric pour-over kettle like this:
- French Press: this is probably my favorite method and since mine just broke, Two great ones:
- I ordered https://amzn.to/31xqJKv with no plastic parts
- https://amzn.to/3cB9Jcz completely stainless steel
- Coffee Machines
- This is by far the cleanest option I found, the https://amzn.to/3mhgW53 is almost all plastic-free, the only thing that is is the water reservoir which made purely of stainless steel. Pricey but so convenient for the coffee maker!
What Type of Coffee is Clean?
We chatted a lot about the best coffees here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/newleafinspired/permalink/3768477706575632
and I highly recommend carefully choosing your beans. You will want to avoid pesticides and moldy coffee (in more coffee companies than we think)
What do I Heat My Water in?
Many water heaters and electric kettles contain plastic, so https://amzn.to/3m5t7BC is a great option!
Final Thoughts
Other things do factor into making your coffee experience (and home!) as toxin-free as possible! We chatted about water filtration system right here on NewLeafInspiredLiving if you'd like to read more, but our water is filtered, purified, remineralized, ionized making it alkaline with antioxidants and electrolytes AND yes, it makes the BEST coffee and tea!
I hope this breakdown was helpful my friends! I'd love to know what you use for your coffee!
Share this article with all of your Keurig and Pod loving friends! Always remember, knowledge is power <3
©️New Leaf Inspired Living, Sherry Elsakr Rosado