Brewing a Greener Future: Turning Coffee and Plastic Waste into Climate Solutions

Scientists at the University of Sharjah have discovered a clever way to fight climate change using two everyday items—coffee grounds and plastic bottles. Their newly patented method transforms these common wastes into a special kind of charcoal that can capture carbon dioxide before it escapes into the air. The process uses a simple, eco-friendly heat treatment and an ingredient called potassium hydroxide to turn old coffee and plastic into a powerful carbon sponge. The best part? It’s inexpensive, reduces waste in landfills, and could help clean up emissions from factories, power plants, and even water systems. It’s a perfect example of how yesterday’s trash can become tomorrow’s climate solution.

Full press release: American Association for the Advancement of Science