The greatest trick coffee pod companies ever pulled was convincing people to pay more for cheap coffee wrapped in trash.
Tens of billions of single-use coffee pods and capsules are used every year. Many are made from mixed plastic, foil, aluminum, filters, lids, and wet coffee grounds, which makes them annoying or impossible to recycle through normal curbside systems. Even the 'recyclable' ones often require special collection programs most people don't have easy access to.
The pod gives you one cup of coffee, then leaves behind a tiny piece of manufactured garbage that may outlive you.
A French press, drip maker, moka pot, pour-over, percolator, or reusable pod can make coffee every morning without throwing away a plastic capsule every time you wake up. The grounds can go in your compost.
This is one of those environmental swaps that is not complicated. You don't need a lifestyle overhaul. You don't need to become a coffee snob. You just need to make the switch.
I hate when people at work ask you what books you are reading for professional development. I am reading books to counteract the effects of being professionally developed. I am reading books that bring me back to being human.