As a small business, we spend some time thinking about reducing waste both in order to be environmentally responsible and also financially wise. At Mo'Joe Cafe, that can mean anything from recycling, to purchasing and refurbishing second hand equipment, to participating in reclaimed wood programs, etc. We turn off the ice machine in winter. We spent money changing out windows so they could open, cutting down on the need for AC. 
     This article shows how being financially responsible and environmentally responsible do not always go hand in hand. When manufacturers can take a much larger mark-up by selling small portions, waste increases dramatically.
     If you're using or considering purchasing one of the single cup coffee machines on the market, consider this article.
Waste: The Dark Side of the New Coffee Craze

When we set out about seven years ago to open a coffee shop, we knew it was a big undertaking. Luckily, we didn't realize exactly how big, or we may have chickened out long before opening our first location in Berkeley.

Mo'Joe Cafe is an honest-to-goodness locally owned business owned and managed by two actual, hard working guys who both appreciate the beauty of a great place to hang out, good coffee, fresh food and a friendly vibe.  This was not the idealistic brain child of ex dot commers living high on the hog on stock options. This was a, "what do I have that can be used as collateral - not counting my kids" kind of operation. 

Once we mortgaged our homes (right around when the economy tanked and everyone thought we were nuts), construction began Berkeley. Since then we have had the occasion to meet many of the city inspectors in both Berkeley and Oakland, gotten the chance to sample LOTS of tasty pastries (a definite perk) and learned how to troll Craigs List for quality used equipment for pennies on the dollar.

We are proud of we have built and plan to keep improving Mo'Joe Cafe, and hopefully the neighborhoods we're in.