6 Things to Know About Cameron’s EcoPods

With Earth Day just around the corner, we’re shining the spotlight on our favorite EcoPods! Made with a real coffee filter vs. a plastic cup, you can enjoy a better tasting cup of coffee and feel good about contributing less waste to the environment.

When we first launched our single-serve coffee in 2012, our pods were clearly different than most. Instead of utilizing the typical plastic cup, we wanted to deliver the same always smooth, never bitter taste experience you get with all Cameron’s Coffees. So, our 100% specialty grade Arabica coffees have been packaged in a real single-serve coffee filter right from the beginning, which we believe results in the best tasting cup of coffee possible.

Although our EcoPods have been around for some years now, we continue to get a lot of questions about them. We like to think it’s because they’re different than your standard single-serve – in the best way possible! If you’re new to the EcoPod game, or just curious to learn more about your daily brew, we rounded up our top six Q&As below!

1. How do Cameron’s Single Serve EcoPods work?

Cameron’s uses a single serve coffee filter instead of a plastic cup. By using a coffee filter, our single serves work just like a drip brewer. The brewer punctures the lid, then fills the entire single serve filter with hot water—soaking all of the coffee grounds, then drips out the bottom to brew a full-flavored cup.

2. Are Cameron’s Single Serve EcoPods really 100% compostable*?

Yes! Our 100% compostable* EcoPods are made with plant-based materials, consisting of a compostable* mesh filter, a compostable* ring, and a compostable* paper lid. Each of these components has been certified for industrial compost facilities, which means they will break down into organic matter with the proper application of moisture, heat and oxygen. Because our pods follow ASTM** D6400 standards, they do not leave damaging levels of toxins in the soil.

3. How were you able to make them compostable*?

Ever since we launched our single-serve coffees in 2012, we had the end goal in mind of making them fully compostable*.

We started by using plant-based materials. Then we worked on making each part—the lid, the ring, and the filter itself—fully compostable*. Finally, we completed all the necessary testing, using authorized facilities who do this sort of work, to be certified as 100% compostable* in industrial facilities.

4. Where am I able to compost these?

Industrial Composting – We support the growth of industrial and municipal composting facilities because, today, they don’t exist everywhere! We hope you will also support their expansion. To find a facility near you, we recommend checking out the EPA Excess Food Opportunities Map.

At-Home Composting – Since there is no official certification process for home composting, our coffee pods have not been certified for it. However, in our experience, we’ve found that our EcoPods can break down into organic matter if you use proper techniques!

Home composting may take a bit longer than in an industrial or municipal facility because there is generally less heat generated, and your own results may vary depending on the types of materials you are composting, the amount of moisture that’s present, and how frequently you mix or turn your compost. But in our own experience here at Cameron’s Coffee, we have successfully composted our pods in home composting containers.

For more information on how to compost at home, visit these knowledgeable websites:

EPA: Composting At Home Planet Natural Research Center: Home Composting 101 Learn Eartheasy: Simplest Composting Methods

5. Can you really taste the difference between EcoPods and plastic cup pods?

We definitely think so! But don’t just take our word for it – check out some of the feedback we’ve received over the years from EcoPod users.

6. What are the most popular EcoPod varieties?

It varies based on the time and season, but these are some of our tried and true fan favorites!

Still interested in learning more about our EcoPods, or wanting to try them yourself? Head here!

*Compostable in industrial facilities. Check locally, as these do not exist in many communities. No current certification for backyard composting.