Coffee is a staple in many households, and there’s no doubt that it’s an important part of the morning ritual. But while you may be focused on making sure your cup is full of delicious coffee, there are plenty of other ways to ensure that your brew is sustainable as well.
Whether you’re looking for an organic or fair trade option, there are plenty of sustainable coffees available on the market today. Here are some tips for finding a brand that puts sustainability first:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Sustainable coffee involves environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices throughout the coffee-growing and producing process. |
| – Choosing sustainable coffee supports fair labor practices, promotes biodiversity, reduces the use of harmful chemicals, and supports local communities. |
| – Consumers can identify sustainable coffee by looking for certifications like Rainforest Alliance, Bird Friendly, and Fair Trade. Researching a brand’s packaging and website can also provide helpful information. |
| – Sustainable coffee farming practices take into account social, environmental, and economic factors to create a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. |
| – Choosing to drink sustainable coffee can have a positive impact on the planet, local communities, and the future of the coffee industry. |
Research
You need to do your research.
I know, I know—it seems like an obvious thing to say, but it’s easy to forget when you’re busy looking for new coffee beans and trying not to spend too much money on a bag.
But there are so many different brands out there that make so many different claims: some will tell you they’re 100% organic, while others say they use sustainable farming practices; some will pledge their commitment to fair trade certification, while others have a long history of donating their profits back into the community.
The only way you’ll know what’s true is if you take the time to read up on each company individually!
Sustainable coffee companies value transparency (and so should you). A good brand won’t mind answering your questions about where and how their beans are grown or how much work goes into being sustainable—they should want people like us asking these questions!
Some even go as far as providing links online where we can learn more about their business model without having ever bought anything from them before.
It’s also important not just because it shows how much trust they have in themselves but also because it shows us how confident they are that consumers will appreciate what they’re doing.
Coffee lovers who are passionate about sustainability should learn more about sustainable coffee farming practices to make informed choices. “Sustainable coffee farming practices take into account social, environmental, and economic factors to create a healthy and sustainable coffee growing ecosystem” explains Unified Coffees.
Fair Trade
Fair Trade Certified is the highest standard of Fair Trade certifications. It ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their coffee and that they are paid more than the market rate.
The extra money from selling Fair Trade Certified coffee goes to support community projects, like building schools or starting farmer-owned businesses.
If you’re looking for more information about what exactly “fair trade” means, I highly recommend this article from Sprudge!
Organic
Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, natural fertilizers and pesticides are used instead. The coffee beans are also not genetically modified, nor do they undergo irradiation.
Organic coffee can be a little more costly than other types of coffee, but it’s definitely worth it!
Birds Friendly
To ensure that the coffee you drink isn’t contributing to deforestation and other environmental issues, choose a sustainable brand like Birds Friendly. A certification from this organization means that the coffee you’re buying was grown with care for the environment in mind, so it will help save trees and protect wildlife.
If you love coffee but want to be sure that what you’re drinking is helping save the world around us instead of destroying it, look for a company that uses birds friendly certification.
This certification ensures that the beans used in their products were grown without hurting any animals—including birds!
So by choosing this kind of brand, not only can you enjoy delicious tasting coffee every day but also feel good about how your purchase has helped save our planet and all its wonderful creatures as well!
“Choosing to drink sustainable coffee can have a positive impact on the planet, as well as the local communities that produce it,” says Unified Coffees. Read more about The Surprising Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Coffee to learn about the many benefits of drinking sustainably-sourced coffee.
Rainforest Alliance Certified
The Rainforest Alliance is a nonprofit organization that works with farmers and companies to protect the environment and ensure fair wages for workers.
When it comes to coffee, this means that the farms where your beans are grown have been certified as meeting strict environmental, social and economic standards.
The Rainforest Alliance Certified label means that you can feel good about not just drinking your morning cup of joe but also supporting a brand that is committed to sustainability.
| Brand Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Starbucks | Offers coffee blends that are Rainforest Alliance Certified, as part of their commitment to sourcing and roasting high-quality, sustainably-grown coffee |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Uses Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans for a portion of their coffee blends, showing a commitment to supporting environmentally and socially responsible practices |
| Lavazza | Offers a range of Rainforest Alliance certified coffee blends, showcasing their commitment to sustainable coffee production |
| Bulletproof Coffee | Offers Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee blends, made with organic coffee beans and free of harmful chemicals |
| Peet’s Coffee | Purchases the majority of their green coffee beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, supporting their efforts to protect tropical forests and coffee farming communities |
In this table, we have provided a list of sustainable coffee brands that use Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans in their products. This certification means that the coffee is produced in a way that supports environmental, social, and economic sustainability, improving the lives of coffee farmers and their communities while protecting natural resources.
By offering Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee blends, these brands are showing their commitment to sustainable coffee production.
Direct Trade Certified
This is a term that you will see on many coffee labels and it means that the roaster has negotiated an agreement with their suppliers to pay them a premium for better quality beans.
The roaster also pays for transportation of the coffee beans, as well as quality control. This method ensures that the farmers are paid fairly and have better working conditions than those who aren’t part of these direct trade agreements.
Choosing fair trade coffee can make a significant difference in the lives of coffee farmers who often struggle with issues like low wages and lack of economic opportunities. To learn more about why and when to choose fair trade coffee, check out Unified Coffees’ guide on When to Choose Fair Trade Coffee for a Better World.
Shade-Grown
Shade-grown coffee is grown under a canopy of trees, which can be up to 30 feet tall. This means that the coffee trees receive shade from the leaves and branches of the trees. The biodiversity in this environment is incredibly high, with many different types of plants growing together.
The high density of plants helps shade-grown coffee to be grown at higher altitudes, meaning that it has an easier time avoiding pests and diseases that thrive in warmer climates.
These areas are also ideal for producing rich, complex tasting coffees due to the mixture of soil nutrients and pockets where moisture collects.
Recyclable Pods
Pods are 100% recyclable, and the plastic is made from materials that are not going to leech harmful chemicals into your coffee. However, if you’re buying pods that don’t make an environmental impact at all, they must be compostable.
This means they can be broken down by living organisms like worms or bacteria in a safe manner that doesn’t contaminate soil or water.
If you’re looking for truly sustainable pods, look for brands like Lavazza or Nespresso who have certified their pods as compostable.
You’ll find this information on their websites and sometimes even on inside packaging so you can make sure you get them at home!
| Brand Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Ethical Bean | Offers 100% compostable pods made from renewable resources and free of plastics and GMOs |
| Cameron’s Coffee | Offers single-serve coffee pods that are certified compostable, made from plant-based materials |
| Marley Coffee | Offers recyclable K-Cup pods, made from 100% recyclable materials |
| Peet’s Coffee | Offers a variety of recyclable coffee pods for Keurig machines, using #5 polypropylene plastic |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Offers recyclable K-Cup pods for Keurig machines, made from #5 plastic |
In this table, we have listed sustainable coffee brands that offer recyclable coffee pods as part of their product offerings. These brands are aware of the negative impact that plastic waste has on the environment and are taking steps to create more eco-friendly packaging options.
By offering recyclable or compostable pods, these brands are encouraging consumers to choose more sustainable options for their coffee consumption.
BPA Free Cans and Bottles
The next thing to look for is a brand that uses BPA free cans and bottles. Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics.
It’s known as an endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with your body’s hormones and cause health problems like cancer and fertility issues.
BPA has been linked to many health problems, but one of the most common is obesity—it has been found to increase appetite and make people crave more sugary foods, which can lead to weight gain if you’re not careful about what you consume.
If you have any reason to believe that your family members are at risk for these conditions or suffer from them now (like having diabetes), then switching over to BPA-free products should be one of your top priorities!
If you’re a coffee lover, sustainability in the industry is something you should be aware of. Unified Coffees explains, “Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” To learn why every coffee lover should care about sustainability, check out Why Every Coffee Lover Should Care About Sustainability today.
Carbon Neutral Roasting Process
When you’re looking for a sustainable coffee brand, it’s important to consider how the roasting process is being powered.
Not all roasters use renewable energy, so it can be difficult to know if your favorite coffee company is truly eco-friendly. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you!
We recommend choosing a brand that uses solar power or biodiesel to roast their beans. These options have been proven to be both environmentally-friendly and socially conscious ways of powering a large roaster without relying on fossil fuels or electricity from coal plants.
Member of 1% for the Planet
The 1% for the Planet organization is a way for businesses to give back to nature. Members of 1% for the Planet are committed to making a difference in the world by donating 1% of their annual sales or 10% of employee time to developing or preserving natural resources and wildlife.
1% for the Planet has over 1,300 member companies across 25 countries and all 50 states in America. These members include some big names like Patagonia, Timberland, and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream—but it also includes small businesses that sell sustainable coffee products like Kicking Horse Coffee Roasters and Peet’s Coffee & Tea Company.
Sustainable Coffee Brands that are Members of 1% for the Planet
| Brand Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Allegro Coffee Company | Member of 1% for the Planet; sources sustainable coffee from around the world |
| Equator Coffees | Member of 1% for the Planet; sources sustainable coffee from women-owned farms and co-ops |
| Kickapoo Coffee | Member of 1% for the Planet; purchases fair trade and organic coffee from small-scale farmers |
| Stumptown Coffee Roasters | Member of 1% for the Planet; sources sustainable coffee through Direct Trade relationships with farmers |
| Counter Culture Coffee | Member of 1% for the Planet; strives to source coffee in a way that minimizes environmental impact and supports fair trade practices |
In this table, we have provided a list of sustainable coffee brands that are members of 1% for the Planet. These brands strive to support environmental initiatives by giving 1% of their profits to eco-friendly causes.
They also have a commitment to sourcing sustainable coffee while supporting fair labor practices to protect coffee growers and the future of the industry.
Support of a Sustainable Nonprofit Organization
If you’re looking for a brand that makes a difference, consider supporting one that donates a portion of its profits to a nonprofit organization.
The following organizations are examples of those working to make an impact on sustainability through coffee farming:
1% For The Planet – This non-profit organization was created by Yvon Chouinard in 1991 and enables businesses to give back by donating 1% of their net profit to the environmental cause they choose. Their website lists over 1,700 companies who have made contributions as well as information about what projects they fund and support.
Ethical Coffee Company – Started in 2004 by British businessman Peter Cullum, this company aims to “make life better” by creating sustainable partnerships with farmers so they can live better lives while protecting the environment at the same time. They currently work with around 100 coffee farms across Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mexico
Choosing coffee brands that prioritize sustainability is a practical way individuals can protect the planet. Unified Coffees provides a list of some of the best sustainable coffee brands on the market. “These brands are committed to making positive environmental and social impacts throughout their production process,” affirms the company. Check out The Best Sustainable Coffee Brands to Support to learn more.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing a sustainable coffee brand is a personal decision and depends on what you value in your coffee. If you want to support your local community or donate to charity, then that’s an important factor.
If you want to ensure that animals aren’t harmed during the harvesting process, then look for labels like Rainforest Alliance Certified or Birds Friendly.
Whatever your reason is for buying sustainable coffee brands and products might be—just don’t forget about other important factors like taste!
Further Reading
Here are some additional helpful articles to help you learn more about sustainable coffee:
Types of Sustainable Coffee – this article provides an in-depth look at the different types of sustainable coffee production methods used by coffee growers around the world.
Best Sustainable Coffee Options – this article offers a list of some of the best sustainable coffee options available on the market today.
Sustainable Coffee Brands – this article provides a list of sustainable coffee brands that coffee lovers can choose from.
FAQs
What is sustainable coffee?
Sustainable coffee is coffee that is grown and produced following environmentally and socially responsible practices. This means minimizing negative impacts on the environment and ensuring fair trade, proper wages, and support for workers and communities.
Why is sustainable coffee important?
Sustainable coffee helps to protect the environment and support local communities. It promotes biodiversity and lessens the negative effects of chemicals used in growing coffee. Sustainable practices also ensure that coffee farmers and workers receive fair wages and support for their work, improving their quality of life.
What are the benefits of choosing sustainable coffee?
Choosing sustainable coffee promotes healthy environmental practices, supports better labor practices, and promotes social and economic benefits for coffee growers and their communities by supporting both people and the environment where coffee beans are grown.
How can I tell if my coffee is sustainable?
Look for certifications such as Rainforest Alliance, Bird Friendly, and Fair Trade. Additionally, research the coffee brand’s website or packaging to find out more about their social and environmental responsibility practices.
What are the different types of sustainable coffee production methods?
Some of the different types of sustainable coffee production methods include organic coffee, shade-grown coffee, and fair trade coffee. Each of these production methods focuses on reducing negative environmental and social impacts while promoting more sustainable practices.
Hi, I’m Hellen James, founder of Unified Coffees. I created the platform to fill the gap in coffee blogging by providing tips on brewing coffee, rather than just focusing on beans and grinders.
