How to remove plastic from your daily cuppa - simple habits for tea and coffee making

If you drink tea or coffee every day (like most of us), you’re probably using more plastic than you realise. From pod machines to kettles and even “glass” coffee makers with hidden plastic parts — hot water and plastic often go hand in hand. And that’s exactly the problem

When plastic is exposed to heat, it can release chemicals and microplastics into your drink. So its likely your daily cuppa has more than just caffeine.

Switching to a plastic-free tea and coffee setup is surprisingly easy — and often makes your drinks taste better too.

Why do we need to go plastic free?

Here’s a quick reminder why some people are making the switch:

  • Reduce exposure to microplastics

  • Improve taste (no “plastic” flavour)

  • Cut down waste (especially pods and capsules)

  • Use longer-lasting, durable materials like glass and stainless steel.

Swaps you can make today

1. Ditch the coffee pod machines

Yep - this one was tough for us. Just loved our Aldi coffee machine and pods. They were a low cost per pod and so convenient and quick. But yikes, we were literally pouring plastic into every cup. Hot waster and plastics do not mix well.

Pod machines (like Nespresso-style systems):

  • Use single-use plastic or aluminium pods

  • Often contain internal plastic components exposed to heat

  • Create ongoing waste and cost.

If you want a low-waste, plastic-free morning cuppa, this is the first thing to replace.

2. Switch to a french press (Cafetiere)

Swapping from a pod machine to a french press is an easy upgrade. The coffee does not take long to make, there are minimal parts, much less waste, and a great flavour.

Opt for a press with glass and/or stainless steel. Check the product details carefully though, most glass coffee plungers have plastic filters or plungers. I actually picked up a small steel cafetiere at my local Op shop for $5, so start there if the budget is tight.

One&One Stainless Steel Coffee Plunger

Made from top quality 18/10 stainless steel, both the interior and exterior, and the plunger.

Easyworkz Porcelain French Press 650 ml Coffee Maker

Made from top quality porcelain and stainless steel parts. (Ceramic options are also available, but more expensive so just FYI).

3. Ditch the teabags and go back to loose leaf tea

We know that T2 and other retailers have been selling loose leaf tea alongside tea bags for some time. There’s a reason why they are so popular. Did you know that many tea bags contain plastic? Its in the bag coating. Whilst many tea companies are swapping them out, there are still plenty in Australia still making tea bags that contain plastic, and can’t be composted.

Swapping to loose leaf and getting a traditional teapot has many benefits.

A good plastic-free teapot uses borosilicate glass (heat resistant), or is ceramic. Many tea infusers are stainless steel, so there is zero plastic in contact with water.

Hiware Glass Teapot with stainless steel lid

This glass teapot is made out of heat resistance borosilicate glass, stove top safe as well as microwave safe.

4. Try drip pour coffee

Pour-over is one of the cleanest, most minimalist ways to make coffee. Its very low waste and you get full control over the flavour. You only need:

  • A dripper (glass, ceramic, or stainless steel)

  • A filter (paper or metal)

  • Fresh ground coffee.

Maxwell & Williams Teas & C's Silk Road Tea for One with Infuser

Made from porcelain with stainless-steel infuser. Designed in Australia by Gabby Malpas. Includes tea for one with infuser and 380ML capacity in aqua colour.

Kavako Pour Over Coffee Set with Leather Collar and Cork Lid

Features a double-layer, laser-cut stainless steel filter with an additional mesh inside. This guarantees you get a smooth, sediment-free brew to give you the purest coffee experience.

Unbreakable Pour Over Coffee Maker

Reusable stainless-steel mesh filter, for ease of cleaning, and reliable flavour extraction. Made from thickened borosilicate glass, safe for stovetop and refrigerator use.

Swaps you can make today

5. Check your kettle

This one surprises people. Many kettles have plastic interiors or spouts, so they expose water to plastic when boiling.

If you want to go fully plastic-free choose stainless steel or glass kettles and avoid plastic water windows or lids where possible.

What most people don’t realise

Even products marketed as “glass” or “premium” often still include:

  • Plastic filter holders

  • Plastic lids

  • Internal tubing

If you want to go fully plastic-free, check every part that touches hot water.

Going plastic-free with tea and coffee doesn’t mean giving up convenience — it just means simplifying your setup.

In fact, many people find:

  • Their coffee tastes better

  • Their routine feels more mindful

  • They spend less over time

And best of all — you’re cutting down plastic exposure every single day.

Hazel Quinn Electric Vintage Kettle

This retro electric kettle is crafted with food-grade 304 stainless steel in its interior, lid, and filter. It has no plastic in contact with the water

Research commissioned by the WWF and the Plastic Free Foundation shows that 85% of Australians want to reduce their use of disposable plastics.

Ready to take the next step and buy some new items?

Look at our other product examples and blogs for inspiration.

Kitchen utensils
Chopping boards
Food storage
Water bottles

Our sources

We want to be transparent about where our facts and data have come from. In a world of ‘fake news’ and AI, its good to be clear about information, so that you can trust it.

Research commissioned by the WWF and the Plastic Free Foundation shows that 85% of Australians want to reduce their use of disposable plastics. The desire is there. What most of us need is a clear, manageable starting point.

Your home is the best place to begin. Not because individual action solves everything — it doesn't, and policy change matters enormously — but because the home is where you have the most control, where the health benefits are most direct, and where small changes compound into meaningful habits.

Look at our other product examples and blogs for inspiration.

Kitchen utensils
Chopping boards
Food storage
Water bottles