World Coffee Day: Discover how to enjoy coffee without polluting

Every October 1st, the world celebrates World Coffee Day . More than just a morning ritual, it's an opportunity to reflect on our consumption, rediscover the fascinating history of this universal beverage, and consider its social, economic, and environmental impact. Through this symbolic moment, everyone can savor their espresso more mindfully and transform a daily habit into a responsible act.

What is World Coffee Day?

World Coffee Day was officially established by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in 2015. It takes place every year on October 1st and aims to pay tribute to the coffee industry , from plantation to cup.

The aim of this day is twofold: to celebrate coffee as a universal beverage and to raise awareness of the importance of responsible production and consumption .

Coffee is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water , with over 2 billion cups drunk every day . Yet, few consumers are truly aware of the production conditions, environmental impacts, and existing solutions for more ethical coffee.

A global tradition that unites coffee lovers

Whether you prefer espresso, cappuccino, latte or filter coffee, World Coffee Day is an opportunity to come together around a universal ritual.

Events are organised every year in many countries: tastings, exhibitions, conferences, awareness campaigns and promotions at roasters or committed brands.

In France, this day is also an opportunity for responsible brands like Cafécolo to highlight another way of enjoying coffee — more ecological and respectful of the planet.

A bit of history: where did coffee come from?

Coffee originated in Ethiopia , where legend has it that a shepherd named Kaldi noticed the energizing effect of the red berries eaten by his goats.

From there, the drink spread to Yemen , then throughout the Arab world, before arriving in Europe in the 17th century.

Over the centuries, coffee has become much more than just a beverage: it's a symbol of conviviality , a social ritual , and a global economic driver . Today, more than 70 countries produce coffee, employing over 25 million families worldwide.

The economic and social challenges of the coffee industry

Behind every cup lies a complex global supply chain. The main producers are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Honduras.

However, the majority of small producers live on less than $3 a day , often subject to the volatility of market prices.

That is why World Coffee Day is also a time to reflect on the true value of coffee and the need to fairly compensate producers .

Labels like Fairtrade / Max Havelaar or Rainforest Alliance allow consumers to choose fair trade coffees and support fairer production.

The environmental impact of coffee: a major issue

Coffee is a demanding crop. It requires a lot of water, fertile soil, and specific climatic conditions.

However, climate change , deforestation and intensive farming methods directly threaten coffee plantations in many parts of the world.

According to a study by the Climate Institute, half of the current coffee-growing areas could become unsuitable for production by 2050 .

In addition to this, there is pollution linked to consumption : disposable aluminum capsules, plastic packaging, single-use cups…

Disposable capsules: a silent scourge

Each year, more than 60 billion single-use coffee capsules are sold worldwide.

Most are made of aluminum or plastic, which are difficult to recycle. Even though some brands offer recycling, the reality is that less than 30% of the capsules are actually processed.

The result: thousands of tons of waste end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to air and soil pollution.

This is where reusable capsules come into play as a sustainable and accessible solution.

Reusable capsules: the ecological and economical solution

Cafécolo reusable capsules allow you to retain the pleasure of capsule coffee, while eliminating the waste associated with disposable models.

Made from stainless steel , they are compatible with Nespresso machines and can be used hundreds of times.

They offer several advantages:

• Significant waste reduction

• Long-term savings (up to 70% cheaper than disposable capsules)

• Freedom to choose your favorite coffee (organic, fair trade, local…)

• Preservation of authentic taste thanks to optimal extraction

By adopting a reusable capsule, each consumer can reduce up to 1 kg of waste per year — a simple but impactful gesture.

How to celebrate World Coffee Day responsibly

Here are some concrete ideas for celebrating this day in an engaged way:

1. Choosing fair trade coffee : favour certified labels that guarantee fair compensation for producers.

2. Opt for Cafécolo reusable capsules : reduce your waste without changing your habits.

3. Opt for organic coffees : grown without pesticides, they preserve health and biodiversity.

4. Buy local : support artisanal coffee roasters near you.

5. Reusing coffee grounds : as a scrub, fertilizer or natural deodorizer.

The role of Cafécolo in the ecological transition of coffee

Since its creation, Cafécolo has been committed to making coffee consumption more sustainable and accessible to all .

Our reusable capsules are designed to last for years, and allow each user to drastically reduce their ecological footprint .

We believe that every gesture counts, and that a simple morning coffee can become an eco-responsible act if it is done consciously.

By supporting initiatives like World Coffee Day, Cafécolo hopes to encourage consumers to rethink their daily ritual and actively participate in a greener future.

Key figures to remember

• October 1st: Official date of World Coffee Day

• +2 billion cups consumed every day

• 25 million families depend on coffee farming for their livelihoods.

• 60 billion disposable capsules sold per year

• 1 Cafécolo capsule = over 1000 possible uses

Why this day is essential

World Coffee Day is not just a symbolic event.

It embodies a global awareness : that of more responsible consumption, respectful of humans and nature.

As consumers, we have immense power : the power to choose. To choose sustainable coffee, to choose reusable capsules, to choose an ethical action every day.

How to go further after October 1st

World Coffee Day can be a starting point .

Why not extend this commitment throughout the year?

By adopting simple habits such as:

• Buy in bulk

• Use reusable mugs

• Recycling coffee grounds

• Raising awareness among those around you

Each cup then becomes a symbol of commitment.

On October 1st, celebrate World Coffee Day in a different way. Switch to sustainable coffee with Cafécolo reusable capsules , and enjoy your espresso knowing that every cup counts.

Discover our models and join the movement for more responsible coffee.