A group of hospitality management students at Mabalacat City College (MCC) launched an innovative sustainability project called “Coffee Pawsitive: Transforming Kantu Brew’s Spent Coffee Grounds into Eco-Friendly Litter,” last 20 December 2024. This was focused on repurposing used coffee grounds from Kantu Brew, a local café in Mabalacat City.
According to their study, the café generates approximately 500 grams to 1 kilogram of spent coffee grounds daily from the preparation of coffee beverages for customers. Inspired by the potential environmental benefits, the students decided to transform these coffee grounds into a useful product that could benefit both the campus community and local wildlife.
While used coffee grounds are commonly repurposed as fertilizers, the group saw an opportunity to address another pressing issue: the stray cat population on campus. MCC is home to several stray cats that are cared for by the college community. However, the presence of these cats sometimes leads to sanitation concerns, as they often leave waste in public spaces, especially in the cemented areas of the campus.
To solve this, the students mixed the spent coffee grounds with bentonite, a natural absorbent clay, to create an eco-friendly cat litter. They then placed the mixture in trays around the campus, providing designated areas for the stray cats to relieve themselves. This initiative not only helps maintain cleanliness but offers a solution to an ongoing issue by giving cats a proper place to do their business.
The coffee grounds, in addition to being absorbent, are also effective at neutralizing odors. Several litter trays were placed across the campus to encourage responsible waste disposal while promoting inclusivity for all forms of life. This innovative project highlights the potential of sustainable practices in addressing community challenges.
