[mpayne]

I was just setting my coffee pot for in the morning, and I thought "I wonder how many coffee filters are in landfills?" (I know, I'm weird) I have a reusable filter, myself, and have for years - I love it.

My Challenge for All AFCers who Drink Coffee:

Switch to a reusable coffee filter and stop buying filters and (literally) throwing your money away every morning! If every AFC member switched to a reusable filter - just think of the impact we could have on our environment, with just that one little step??

There are over 56,000 members here at AFC. If only half drink coffee every day, that's 28,000 filters a DAY, that's - hold your breath - 10,220,000 filters a YEAR going into our landfills!!!!

Paper trash (such as regular coffee filters) takes up 40% of landfill space, and the chlorine used to bleach most filters lets off carcinogenic dioxins.

Switching to reusable filters saves money, and makes your coffee taste better. Most paper filters tend to change the taste of the coffee, either by adding their own paper/chemical taste, and/or by absorbing some of the oils in the coffee that help give each bean its unique flavor.

You can buy a reusable filter just about anywhere: Target, Walmart, etc - some CVS and Walgreens have them, and even most grocery stores. They are around $4-10 depending on the brand (I have the cheapest I could find - around $5 - and have been using it for years now!).

So who is going to join me? Post here after you make the switch so you can get your kudos!!!

Thank you from the trees!

[winnross]

We have a reusable one too...i would never do it any other way! And NO MORE FUMBLING trying to pick the filters apart in the morning....this also is dishwasher safe and i wash mine every evening I am with mypayne for sure! Come on ya all.....give it a try!! GO GREEN!!

[NJMom]

I use a reusable filter too and have for many, many years. Good reminder!

[mpayne]

I just rinse mine every evening and wash it once or twice a week.

[michele767]

Hm.... Does it count that we burn whatever trash we can? We recycle what ever we can't burn and we only throw about 4 bags of trash into the landfill per YEAR! (nope, not exaggerating)

Don't know if that counts as environmental but I feel pretty good about not adding to the landfill anyway.

[mpayne]

I'm not sure if burning is better, I would think better than the landfill, but still - all that smoke going into the air! I'm not an expert though.

My question is: do you use a reusable coffee filter?? If not, Will you start??

[Amidala081499]

I already have a reuseable filter. And...better yet...I use loose tea and save there as well.

I admit I am not totally green, but I do try!

Hugs!!!

[CM_ANGEL]

Can I just use a pair of pantyhose and wash them after every use?

[mpayne]

[CM_ANGEL]

HAHAHA!! I don't even drink coffee so there I am helping with your challenge!

[FreebieMama]

Originally Posted by CM_ANGEL

Can I just use a pair of pantyhose and wash them after every use?

As long as they are new and washed before you make coffee!

[FreebieMama]

I'm not a coffee-drinker either, but I do recycle my Mountain Dew cans(my equivalent of coffee).

[lifeworthliving]

Originally Posted by CM_ANGEL

Can I just use a pair of pantyhose and wash them after every use?

I use that on my dryer!

I have a reusable filter. Years ago I switched.

[Linz]

Okay Mpayne - I'm up for your challenge! DH is a coffee drinker and we use the disposable filters. I'll be in Target later this week and I'll get a reusable one. I didn't even think of this. I'm a big recycler and "greenie" (as DH calls me). Don't know why I didn't think of this one. Probably because I never make coffee or drink it.

Thanks for the great suggestion!

[mpayne]

for the mornin' crew!

[MellowMama]

I love my permanent filter! I don't miss paper ones a bit.

[GloCho]

I have a single cup coffee maker that has a reusable filter. I am switching to a reusable filter for the coffee maker in my office.

[ahfarlow]

We have a reuseable filter. My hubby has a port city mug that he takes to port city java every time he goes. That saves 5-6 cups every week!

[gmpaula]

already use one.

[spellbinded2004]

Coffee drinker here and reusable K-cup (keurig coffee machine) all the way!

[bette]

I drink charliegirl's awesome homemade instant coffees so no filter needed!

[ahernandez]

Do they make these in the cone shape?...I am going to have to look into this. I only make coffee t home on the weekend but thata is still 2 filters a week. I don't think I could switch us over at work...we don't have a bathroom or sink (or running water) so it would get so gross if we used a reuseable one. But I am willing to switch at home.

[CJ**]

I love the idea but I'm going to throw a twist into it. I don't like the coffee better with a reusable although I occasionally do use one. I prefer to use the unbleached paper filters and then compost the entire thing, filter and grinds.

Just a thought and alternative for keepin it green!

[avonrep_kendall]

We use a reusable filter as well... We make about 6 pots of coffee per day!!!

[KeizerMom]

I primarily use instant coffee. I'm reusing the cannisters the coffee comes in, going to store dried beans, rice, etc in them.

I've also always composted my coffee filter/grounds when I do drag the coffee pot out. Comes from growing up in the country I guess.