Discussion Guide
Demographics
a. Interviewer: Alejandro Gonzalez
b. Name: Lucas Good
c. Age: 21
d. Job: Student
e. Location: Columbus, Ohio
f. Coffee drinker?: 2-3 Cup average. Use different methods of Brewing
K-Cup Use
a. Do you use K-cups? Why or why not? Yes, I like to use them because they are really easy and I can make a single serving as opposed to a coffee pot
b. If yes, please explain the process of using the product. I get filtered water from the fridge while the machine warms up. Then I place pod in the machine and brew.
c. How often do you buy k-cups? / How many do you usually buy? I buy the 24 packs from Kroger usually every few weeks. If I happen to be at Costco I will buy the bulk packs from there.
d. How often do you use k-cups? At least once a day, sometimes more if no one brews a pot of coffee.
e. Have you explored other methods for brewing coffee? Talk to me about your experiences. If not, why haven’t you? Would you be interested in exploring other options? I have roommates who drink coffee as well so sometimes we use a coffee pot for convenience. But if no one steps up to brew the pot in the morning I will just use a Keurig because I like the taste more. We also own a traditional espresso machine but I don’t know how to use it very well, so I avoid it.
f. Please talk to me about your perspective of the environmental impact of k-cups. I’ve heard about the poor environmental impact before but it’s not usually on my mind when I use the machine.
g. What is most appealing about k-cups? Least? Most: Very painless to use and I can buy pods that fit my preference. Least: No major downfall, the pods can get expensive if you drink a lot of coffee.
h. How do you dispose of your used k-cups? Why? I throw them in the trash.
i. Did your work use K-cups and a Keurig? I worked from home last year. Possibly?
Recycling Habits
a. Do you recycle? Why or why not? We recycle back at home but not here at OSU.
b. Are you familiar with what can and can’t be recycled?
i. Have you taken steps to learn about what can and can’t be recycled? Why or why not? I would say I have a very average knowledge of what to recycle. I have not learned much more because it seems pretty basic.
c. Do you clean your recycles before placing them in the bin? Why or why not? At home we sometimes do if the material is like a pasta sauce container or really dirty.
d. Do you separate your recycles? Why or why not? No, all of it goes into one bin.
e. In your opinion, are k-cups recyclable? No I don’t think they are. That’s why we throw them away.