How to Be a Sustainable Cafe Nomad!

Hey friend! 🌿

If you’re anything like me, you love working from cafes—there’s something about the ambient buzz of a cozy spot with a good cup of coffee that makes everything a little more productive (or maybe it’s just the caffeine talking?). But, let’s be real: hopping from cafe to cafe can leave quite the environmental footprint. The good news is that it’s totally possible to be a cafe nomad and live sustainably at the same time. I’ve been figuring it out too, and thought I’d share what I’ve learned!

Here are a few easy ways to enjoy your favorite cafes without compromising on sustainability. Grab your reusable cup and let’s dive in!

First things first: where you choose to work matters. Some cafes are super eco-friendly, and supporting them is a great way to align your habits with your values.

• Look for cafes that use organic, fair-trade coffee (because who doesn’t want to feel good about their morning brew?).
• Keep an eye out for places with zero-waste initiatives, composting, or green certifications. Sometimes, they’ll have little signs up showing off their eco-practices.

I like to reward those efforts by coming back regularly—and let’s be honest, I end up recommending them to everyone I know too!

Okay, maybe not everything, but I’m serious about this one. Bringing your own gear can seriously cut down on single-use plastics and other waste.

• Bring a reusable cup: This one’s a no-brainer, right? Some cafes even give you a discount when you bring your own mug.
• Water bottle: Skip the bottled water—bring your own! Most cafes are cool with refilling.
• Utensils and napkins: Pack a small kit with reusable utensils and a cloth napkin to avoid using disposable ones.

Bonus points: You’ll feel like an eco-warrior with your awesome kit, and I guarantee someone will ask you about it!

How you get to the cafe matters too. If you can, leave the car behind and opt for greener transportation.

• Walk or bike if the cafe’s nearby—it’s a great way to get fresh air and squeeze in a little exercise.
• Public transport is also a great option if you’re venturing a bit farther.

I’ve found that exploring my local cafe scene on foot or by bike not only makes me feel better about my impact, but I also discover cool new spots I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.

One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to be sustainable while working from cafes is to choose plant-based foods.

• Plant-based meals tend to have a lower carbon footprint, and many cafes offer some seriously delicious options. (Shoutout to oat milk lattes and avocado toast!)
• It’s not about going full vegan—just making those small swaps where you can. Plus, it’s a great excuse to try new things.

Here’s one I didn’t think much about at first, but it’s super important—how much energy you’re using while working at cafes.

• Charge at home whenever possible. Charging your laptop and phone before you head out means less strain on the cafe’s energy.
• Turn off or unplug your devices when you don’t need them. It’s a small thing, but it adds up when you’re out all day.

Remember, cafes are usually small businesses, and conserving energy where you can helps them keep things running smoothly (and sustainably!).

Finally, just be mindful of your presence. While cafes are awesome for getting work done, try to be respectful of their resources.

• Don’t overstay your welcome if you’re not purchasing something every so often.
• Be aware of your impact—whether it’s the energy you’re using or the waste you’re creating. Small things like this make a big difference!

• Bonus: Spread the Love

If you find a cafe that’s doing things right in terms of sustainability, shout it from the rooftops! Leave a good review, share on social media, and encourage your friends to visit. This helps eco-friendly cafes thrive, and who doesn’t want to see more of those popping up?

So there you have it, friend—simple ways to enjoy your cafe nomad life while being kind to the planet. It’s all about making small, mindful changes, and honestly, they end up feeling pretty rewarding. Plus, you’ll inspire others along the way, which is the best part.

Let me know how your cafe-hopping journey goes, and if you find any amazing sustainable spots, I’m always up for recommendations! 

Catch you at the next eco-friendly cafe! 🌱☕