Zero waste is on the rise and it is no longer rare to make tawashi sponges, washable make-up remover wipes or even bee wraps at home. And it doesn’t stop there, the coffee filter can also be reused! It must be said that the consumption of coffee generates waste on a daily basis with disposable filters, not to mention that it is also consumed in the form of single pods. Do not hesitate any longer and start making reusable coffee filters!
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Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, it would even come in second place after water. According to the International Coffee Organization (IOC), world coffee consumption is expected to increase by 3.3% with 170.3 million bags of 60 kg against 169.4 million bags the previous year. This represents more than 10 million tons of coffee absorbed, knowing that the biggest amateurs remain the European countries.
Why make a reusable coffee filter?
Traditional paper coffee filters are the most commonly used. They are therefore also quickly discarded after use. These filters are developed in a matter which mobilizes a certain number of resources such as wood and water for its manufacture. Moreover, to be whitened, the filter coffee made of paper must undergo chemical treatments which are therefore also pollutants. A reusable model requires few resources for its manufacture and no harmful product. It is also more economical since the purchase of filter boxes will no longer be essential. All you have to do is clean and then wash your filter zero waste.
What to plan to make a reusable coffee filter?
Creating a reusable coffee filter requires knowing how to master a sewing machine.
Thus, in addition to the possession of this tool, the material necessary for the manufacture of a coffee filter is the following:
- fine fabric linencotton or hemp preferably organic;
- possibly colored sewing thread;
- round-headed pins;
- a bias (optional);
- a (last) coffee filter in paper adaptable to your coffee maker to take as a model.
Know that the choice of fabric and the thickness of the weave will determine the intensity of your coffee. A thin cloth will produce a strong coffee, with a thick cloth the coffee will be lighter.
How to make the reusable coffee filter?
- Start by ironing the fabric, this will make it easier to handle.
- Position the paper coffee filter on a first piece of tissue. You can possibly trace the contours with a pencil to visualize them well. Repeat the operation on the second piece of fabric.
- Cut out the two shapes of the future reusable coffee filter.
- Overlap the two parts of the filter and pin the edges to prevent them from moving.
- With your sewing machine, overcast with a zigzag stitch at the top of the filter to prevent it from fraying. You can also sew a bias for a more finished and elegant look.
- Then stitch the bottom of the filter and its borders with the same zigzag stitch, finish with a stop stitch.
- Turn it over to place it in your coffee maker. Your coffee filter reusable is ready !
But still ?
A reusable coffee filter is used in the same way as a paper filter. So that you don’t run out of coffee, don’t hesitate to make two or three!
Obviously, the chosen fabric will darken and remain stained, without consequence for its proper functioning.
To clean it properly and remove any residue, it should be brushed gently with apure water. The fact of wash your machine reusable coffee filter may alter the fibers of the fabric and the use of laundry or soap can change the taste of your coffee.
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