Background
What is an LCA?
An LCA is an acronym for life cycle assessment. A life cycle assessment or cradle to grave analysis is a systematic method used for evaluating the life cycle of a product, or service. The evaluation generally includes but is not limited to: a list of all inputs and outputs, an energy analysis of all the upstream materials used, and the environmental impacts.
The Coffee Cycle
Growing
A coffee bean from a coffee tree is planted in soil. Within 4 to 8 weeks a seedling appears. The seedling is placed in a shaded location so it will not burn in the direct sunlight. The seedling is tended and allowed to grow for the next 9 to 18 months, until it reaches approximately 2 feet. The small coffee tree is planted in the ground. The tree will bear fruit in 3 more years, but does not reach maturity until 6 years. At 6 years the tree is fully mature and produces it's optimal yield. The coffee tree will produce for 20 to 25 years.
Transportation
Roasting
Brewing
Consumers
Coffee Grounds
After brewing a cup of coffee the coffee grounds remain and must be disposed of. The three common disposal methods are: solid waste, waste water, and recycled.
Coffee grounds that are placed in the trash end up being shipped to some regional dump.
Coffee grounds that are washed down the drain are transported via waste water in the sewer lines to the waste water treatment plant. At the waste water treatment plant the grounds are separated out and treated according to that particular treatment plants protocols.
Coffee grounds that are recycled are usually composted or used to amend the soil for plants. Composting the coffee grounds enriches the nitrogen content of the compost. Because of the coffee grounds individual small size, it breaks down and composts relatively fast. When the coffee grounds are used as an amendment to the soil, the grounds slowly release nitrogen and add acid to the soil.