A Changhua City barista, Chang Chih-min, has achieved commercial success by creatively recycling used coffee grounds into various eco-friendly products. Initially, Chang aimed to support his parents' coffee farm by opening a café, but he soon noticed the wastefulness inherent in the coffee industry. Determined to adopt sustainable practices, Chang explored reusing coffee grounds, traditionally repurposed as fertilizer, for innovative uses. After discovering studies highlighting the insect-repelling properties of coffee grounds, he collaborated with a former classmate to create mosquito-repellent incense. Their product, now popular and commercially successful, inspired Chang to further innovate. He developed charcoal, soaps, and potentially even solid fuel sticks from coffee byproducts, reducing energy and water consumption. His efforts not only promote sustainability but also attract interest from local retailers. Chang’s ultimate goal is to achieve self-sustainability by recycling coffee grounds to power coffee processing plants.
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