The Coffee Footprint Analyzer

The Coffee Footprint Analyzer

A web-based tool for conducting your own LCA One of our aims in producing this course is to provide the information and tools you need to analyse your own carbon footprint. This will allow you to see which changes will have the biggest impact and help you determine...
What is a Life-Cycle Analysis?

What is a Life-Cycle Analysis?

Life-cycle analysis (LCA), also known as life-cycle assessment or cradle-to-grave analysis, is a tool used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product or process.  ‘Cradle’ refers to the inputs: for example the raw materials, energy, water, and land used. In...
A History of Greenwashing

A History of Greenwashing

I would like to start this course with a short story. A confession of sorts. Come with me, as I go to my local cafe. I have forgotten to bring my KeepCup again, but I see they use compostable takeaway cups, so I don’t feel so bad ordering my coffee. While I’m there, I...
Temperature’s Hidden Effect

Temperature’s Hidden Effect

Brewing temperature affects the flow rate of espresso in unexpected ways, thanks to dissolved gases. In our most recent instalment of the Advanced Espresso course, we discussed a surprising finding in the scientific literature: that increasing the brew temperature...
Coffee Grinder RPM

Coffee Grinder RPM

How does it change the performance? In the last few years, a small number of grinders have hit the market that boast an adjustable grinding speed. The best known of these are Lynn Weber’s EG-1, Victoria Arduino’s Mythos 2, and most recently Ceado’s Hero E37Z. The...
Changing Grinder Burrs

Changing Grinder Burrs

How can I tell when it’s time to change blunt grinder burrs? If you’re looking at your grinder, asking yourself this question, then it’s probably time to change them. While grinder manufacturers may claim that their burrs can grind hundreds and sometimes...