Carbon offsetting. Biodegradable packaging. Compostable coffee cups. Sustainability and the environment are just as important to Matt Crocky, Ben Garnaut and Freddy Parsons as the coffee they serve.

Higher Grounds is the first joint-venture for the three friends, whose backgrounds span environmental sciences and hospitality.

What started out in 2013 as a coffee-making rickshaw, soon expanded into a more permanent home in East Perth. The original rickshaw, made from recycled timber floorboards and motorbike wheels, still serves up coffee at Curtin University where it all began.

The city cafe has a rickshaw counter and a retro-look Wega Vela Vintage coffee machine. The permanent home allows for a more extensive range of short-order items such as salads, wraps, soups and paninis. Parsons’ mum, Anne, homebakes many of the treats such as biscuits, slices and muffins.

Coffee aficionados will be impressed with the offering here. Local roaster Twin Peaks supplies the beans, with single origins and a blend available. Bannister Downs is used for the milk; its biodegradable packaging is another tick for the environment. Customers are encouraged to return their cups for composting.