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We knew Hoffman York drank a lot of coffee. In fact, we estimated that our Milwaukee office, alone, drank an estimated 180 pots per month. That’s what made recycling our coffee grounds such a logical move.

What we didn’t realize was how much ground coffee it takes to make 180 pots per month. Our coffee grounds receptacle filled up—fast. Faster than we could recycle the grounds. We’d talked about establishing a relationship with an organization to which we could donate our grounds–so people outside of our agency could benefit from our recycling efforts. We didn’t realize that establishing a partnership would be such an immediate need.

To the Internet!

I quickly found a thriving, eco-friendly community, right here in Milwaukee, including an entire network of community gardens. I got in touch with the folks at Milwaukee Urban Gardens who were quick to respond with a list of garden leaders who might be interested in our coffee grounds. That’s how I connected with Off the Grid Milwaukee, a self-described “family of friends” working together to make the change they want to see in the world. It sounds like they’re interested in an ongoing donation; and we’re in the process of working out the logistics.

Categories: Diana Bagley, green at work, recycling, workplace energy efficiency