‘Reuse, reduce, recycle’: Brooklyn business finds success using old coffee grounds
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — A Brooklyn company is brewing up sustainable success with a unique product, upcycled coffee soap.
Mark Guerino, the founder of 2nd Ground, has always been a big fan of recycling and reducing waste. While looking for ways to reuse the byproduct of his favorite beverage, he stumbled upon a unique solution.
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“I came across an article on how coffee was being used in skincare,” Guerino said. “I just thought to myself, why don’t you use the old grounds as an exfoliate?”
This simple question sparked a sustainable business. 2nd Ground collects spent coffee grounds from neighborhood cafes, diverting them from landfills and giving them a new lease on life.
Guerino is involved in every step of the process, from designing the packaging to finding a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
“I designed and I print everything, so this is all wrapped by me by hand with parchment paper,” Guerino said.
He sources his ingredients locally and transforms them into handcrafted, all-natural soap bars, packaged with sustainability in mind.
Globally, tons of coffee grounds end up in landfills each year, while New York City only recycles a fraction of its commercial waste. Guerino says 2nd Ground tackles both issues head-on.
“In order for us to be truly sustainable, and embrace certain economics, we have to find ways to reduce waste,” Guerino said.
These soaps have found a welcoming home at Brooklyn Made in Industry City, a store dedicated to Brooklyn-based businesses.
Gabby Napolitano, the store manager of Brooklyn Made, expressed strong approval for 2nd Ground’s concept.
“I think it’s such a unique idea, a great way to reuse, reduce, recycle,” Napolitano said.
As Guerino continues to inspire creative waste reduction, the company offers a perfect blend of sustainability and self-care.
“It’s the wave of the future,” Guerino said.
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