Let’s face it—most office break rooms aren’t exactly eco-friendly havens. Between the stacks of single-use coffee pods, endless plastic water bottles, and disposable everything, they tend to rack up a pretty hefty environmental tab. But the good news? It’s actually super easy to make your workplace greener, starting with the break room. And no, we’re not talking about bamboo forks and organic air.
At Corporate Coffee Systems, we’ve seen firsthand how upgrading your break room with smarter, greener equipment doesn’t just help the planet—it boosts employee morale, saves money in the long run, and even simplifies your maintenance routine. Ready to rethink your space? Here are some practical, impactful ways to go green without losing the comforts of great coffee, hydration, and snacks.
1. Ditch the Plastic Bottles with a Bottleless Water Dispenser
Let’s start with one of the biggest offenders: bottled water. Offices go through hundreds—if not thousands—of plastic bottles each year. But you can kick that waste to the curb by installing a bottleless water system.
Not only are these systems better for the environment, they also save space and money (no more deliveries or storage!). Our top picks? The modern, flavor-packed Bevi Water Dispenser, the stylish and smart Borg & Overstrom, and the health-forward, sparkling-capable Smart Soda.
2. Brew Better: Choose Waste-Reducing Coffee Equipment
If your team’s daily caffeine ritual includes K-cups or throwaway pods, it’s time for a serious coffee upgrade. Modern machines like the DeJong Duke Virtu and Cafection Emblem are bean-to-cup systems that brew fresh coffee with zero wasteful packaging. Plus, the used grounds are 100% compostable—Mother Nature-approved!
Prefer pod-style brewing? Go green with our Newco Fresh Cup Touch and Aquabeve Aquacafe. Both use Reunion Island’s Zero Waste coffee pods, which are biodegradable and deliver delicious coffee without the guilt.
3. Switch to Reusable Everything
It’s a simple fix with a big impact: encourage employees to use real mugs, plates, and silverware instead of disposable versions. Stock your break room with durable, reusable options—and make it easy by setting up a small washing station if you don’t have a dishwasher.
You’ll not only cut down on waste, but your team will also enjoy a more elevated break room experience. (Coffee just tastes better out of a ceramic mug, right?)
4. Add Plants (Yes, Really)
Indoor plants do more than just look pretty. They improve air quality, boost mood, and reinforce the idea that your office cares about sustainability. Start with low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or pothos, and don’t be afraid to add a pop of greenery in the break room. It’s just another great way to go green!
5. Set Up a Smart Recycling and Compost Station
Even the best intentions fall flat if people don’t know what goes where. Make recycling and composting easy by clearly labeling bins for each type of waste—and put them in high-traffic areas so no one can miss them.
If your office uses our coffee systems, remind your team that those grounds or pods can go in compost, not the trash. Little signs help a lot here!
6. Offer Sustainable Snacks and Bulk Treats
Instead of single-serving chip bags or plastic-wrapped treats, stock your pantry with bulk snacks in glass containers or dispensers. Not only does this reduce packaging waste, it also looks way cooler.
Pro tip: pairing this with a bottleless beverage dispenser is a POWER move.
7. Educate and Celebrate Your Green Wins
Sustainability works best when everyone’s on board. Share tips, post reminders, and celebrate eco-milestones. Did you save 1,000 bottles last month thanks to your Bevi dispenser? Tell the team! Encourage friendly competitions or green challenges for some extra fun.
Final Sips
A sustainable break room isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about creating a healthier, happier, and more efficient workplace. Whether you’re swapping out wasteful coffee pods or upgrading to a bottleless beverage system, every small change adds up, and so do your savings.
Need help building your green break room? Let’s talk. We’ll bring the equipment (and the coffee)—you bring the vision.