The dark side of the bean: Investigating coffee consumption and waste among university students using a cultural probe kit

Abstract

This study aims to examine the coffee consumption and waste behavior of university students. For this purpose, a unique cultural probe kit was designed and implemented. Ten undergraduate students participated in a seven-day intervention, during which they recorded their consumption routines and resulting waste habits. Students also participated in pre- and post-intervention semi-structured interviews, and the findings were further validated through three focus group discussions with 28 students. The data obtained from the cultural probe kit and the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis informed by Social Practice Theory (SPT). The four components of social practice theory namely materials (e.g. coffee machines, thermos bottles), competencies (e.g. connoisseurship, budgeting), meanings (e.g. stimulant, socializing), and temporalities (e.g. exam period coffee, seasonal coffee) are identified for coffee consumption. While meanings and temporalities primarily acted as drivers of consumption, materials and competencies were found to influence waste generation; however, these elements interact dynamically, and meanings such as socializing can also contribute to waste. The analysis of the results revealed overspending, wasting of coffee and disposables, excessive consumption, and addiction as the main eco-social problems related to coffee practices. Moreover, two distinct patterns of coffee consumption emerged: consuming coffee individually was primarily driven by caffeine needs, whereas group consumption was associated with social interaction. While the awareness gained with the use of the cultural probe kit had some influence on individual consumption and waste behavior, that effect was weaker for consumption within the group context. The study contributes to sustainable consumption literature by extending Social Practice Theory to liquid coffee waste and demonstrating the value of cultural probes in capturing everyday consumption practices. Socio-economic and environmental implications for sustainable consumption practices are discussed. Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier Ltd.