Sustainable Blog Edition #31.
Caffeine plays an essential part in most people's lives, and we often get quite cranky without it. Whether we get it from our local cafe, the grocery store, or make it at home, coffee keeps us going.
Many of us produce a great deal of waste through our daily coffee runs. Single use cups, lids, and straws pile up extremely quickly. It’s a vital part of our sustainability effort to reduce as much waste in our daily activities which may seem small, but have a real effect over time.
Luckily for us, there are many solutions, as well as many people on the same page as you. Many coffee shops are putting sustainability on the forefront of their agenda to reduce their footprint with reusable mugs, recyclable packaging, and ethically sourced beans.
Last year we gave you all a list of the best sustainable coffee shops in New York City, now it’s time for us to focus on Los Angeles so you can continue to take care of the planet, wherever you may be.
Featured Shops:Mantra Coffee Company:
Mantra is a collaborative coffee house in Azusa which features a unique glass reuse program. The company encourages customers to bring their own mug, or offers a “rental mug” for a $2 deposit, which can be returned at any time. A truly innovative way to reduce waste, and create a community.
615 N San Gabriel Ave. Azusa, CA 91702
Mantracoffeeco.com
Bar Nine:
Culver City local shop, Bar Nine, also embraces a reusable all-glass takeaway program to minimize waste as well as roasted to order beans, shipped next day. As the company grew they introduced Espresso Nectar, a proprietary brewing process which is a batch form espresso alternative. Most recently the company opent Ten a minimal espresso bar which serves an almost entirely house made menu and Espresso Nectar drinks.
3515 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90232
https://barnine.us/
Coffee Connection:
Coffee Connection is a non-profit community focused cafe which looks to provide a variety of spaces for people to meet, work, socialize, and learn. The house hosts community events and gives its proceeds to a variety of nonprofits organizations in need. Finally the cafe serves exclusively fair trade, organic, carbon free coffee, espresso, and teas alongside locally prepared foods.
3838 South Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
https://coffeeconnectionla.com/
Muddy Paw Coffee:
Muddy Paw is a more unique pet friendly cafe in the area, which uses percentages of profits to support animals in need. Additionally their Eagle Rock location has a private dog park where you can enjoy your coffee while your furry friend gets out their morning energy. Additionally if you don't live nearby you can still support the local animal rescues by purchasing Muddy Paws award winning beans online.
4610 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041
https://muddypawla.com/
Cafecito Organico:
Cafecito Organico began as a home roaster out of a garage working directly with farmers in Central America. Since then the company has grown to multiple locations across LA focusing on small batch roasting with single origin beans.
2985 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
cafecitoorganico.com
Groundwork Coffee:
Groundwork coffee has a Venice flagship which focuses on ethically-sourced coffee from a variety of organic growers around the world. Groundwork uses direct-trade beans, a step up from fair trade which requires the roasters to work directly with the farmers to ensure the highest quality standards.
671 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
groundworkcoffee.com
Other notable mentions ranging from shops with every day sustainable practices to groceries with ethically-sourced beans:
Bondi Harvest
1814 Berkeley St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
bondiharvest.com
With Love
1969 S. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Civil Coffee
5629 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Civilcoffee.com
Swell Coffee
2670 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014
Swellcoffeeco.com
Homegirl Cafe
130 W. Bruno St Los Angeles, CA 90012
homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/cafe/
Greendoor
714 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745
greendoor.coffee