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Russell Touyz

Russell Touyz

Eco Barista

1 episodeJune 2020

About Russell

Russell Touyz - WA Regional Director of Eco Barista

Russell is the WA Regional Director and National Creative Lead for Eco Barista, a coffee cup and packaging supplier who is building a better future through sustainable cups and coffee bags.

Russell has previously worked on the Paper Cup Project, which provided a way for local artists to gain exposure, and get their work into the hands of the community through coffee cups.

Russ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brussel_sprowers/

Eco Barista: https://www.epsdistribution.com.au/

In Russell’s words

Verbatim from the transcripts — each quote links to the moment.

“Long mac topped up is the iconic WA order, and it just doesn't exist anywhere else in Australia, which is bizarre to think that Australia has a divide in orders.”
Ep 755▶ 1:35
“It's extremely hard to change consumer behavior, so you need to try and just put it in front of them that it's pretty much— what they're doing is autonomous.”
Ep 755▶ 20:58
“I've made so many fuck-ups, but I've never made twice.”
Ep 755▶ 42:03
“try and drop off the hate. Stop the hate.”
Ep 755▶ 1:01:31

Russell’s advice on the show

What's the best way to dispose of a compostable coffee cup?

Compostable cups need to go into an organic waste/compost bin, not general recycling or landfill, in order to actually break down into nutrient-rich soil; reusable cups remain the best option overall.

How can I tell if a coffee cup is actually sustainable?

Look for the word "compostable" written on or under the cup, or the chemical name PLA (polylactic acid). Avoid relying on the word "biodegradable" alone, since plastic-lined cups can still carry that label; if there's no information printed on the cup at all, assume it's not a sustainable option.

How do you get over social anxiety when cold-calling or pitching businesses in person?

You just have to do it — the first time is the hardest. Make sure to ask specifically for the manager rather than assuming front-of-house staff will pass on your message, since they often won't.

How do I get a response to a cold outreach email?

Personalise every email — reference specific, researched details about the business (e.g. their roaster, their sustainability practices) rather than sending generic copy-paste pitches, and follow up with new value (like new products) if you don't hear back.

What ratio should I use when brewing filter coffee at home?

Use a 1:16 ratio of coffee to water (1 gram of coffee per 16ml of water) as a solid universal starting point, though some roasters recommend 1:15.

Stories Russell told

Founding the Paper Cup Project

Ep 755▶ 5:55

Russell explains starting the Paper Cup Project in 2016 with two mates as a way to use takeaway cups as an advertising/awareness tool featuring local artists and businesses, before the War on Waste documentary changed public perception of paper cups.

Cruise with grandparents and espresso in Italy

Ep 755▶ 29:42

Russell recalls taking a cruise with his grandparents involving bingo and reading hour, and separately enjoying €1 espressos in Italy, noting the darker, more bitter roast style compared to Australia.

Nearly losing it on the drive home after a sales day

Ep 755▶ 46:59

After a day of visiting cafes and drinking lots of coffee for sales meetings, Russell recounts urgently calling his mum to unlock the door because he desperately needed the bathroom, narrowly avoiding an accident.

Questions these interviews answer

Drawn from the episode transcripts.

What's the difference between a compostable and a biodegradable coffee cup?

According to Russell Touyz, biodegradable just means a product breaks down into smaller pieces (often still plastic) over an unspecified time, while compostable means it breaks down into nutrient-rich soil when placed in an organic waste/compost bin. He advises looking for the word "compostable" or the chemical PLA (polylactic acid) on the cup rather than trusting "biodegradable" labelling.

From episode 755→
What is a 'long mac topped up' coffee order?

It's a Western Australia-specific coffee order that is essentially a latte with an extra shot, or a strong latte. Russell Touyz explains it doesn't exist anywhere else in Australia, and ordering it in Melbourne or Sydney will likely get you a traditional macchiato instead.

From episode 755→
What ratio should I use for home brewing with a Moccamaster?

Russell Touyz recommends a 1:16 ratio — 1 gram of coffee to 16 millilitres of water — though some roasters suggest a 1:15 ratio. For a full Moccamaster batch he uses 60 grams of coffee.

From episode 755→

Episodes with Russell

Every episode featuring Russell Touyz on The Daily Talk Show.