There’s no denying the popularity of coffee. In the United States alone, we consume 400 million cups a day! But what’s behind that cup of joe? If you’ve ever wondered about the impacts on the environment and human rights when it comes to coffee production, then read on.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The coffee industry has a dark side, characterized by issues including environmental damage, exploitation of labor, and poor working conditions. |
| Consumers can support ethical and sustainable coffee practices by choosing brands that prioritize fair trade, environmental protection, and transparency. |
| Sustainable coffee production practices, such as shade-grown coffee and sustainable water use, can mitigate some of the environmental and social impact of coffee production. |
| Fair trade and ethical sourcing certification programs can help to ensure that coffee farmers and workers receive fair wages, living conditions, and benefits. |
| Advocacy and awareness-raising can help to drive positive change within the coffee industry and promote fair and sustainable practices. |
Here are some of the biggest issues in this beloved industry:
Labor Practices
Labor practices in the coffee industry are another major cause for concern. Child labor, long hours, low wages and poor working conditions are all things you can find in any given coffee farm. These issues aren’t created by consumers—they’re a direct result of an industry that puts profits over people.
Coffee Processing Waste
Coffee processing waste is a byproduct of coffee production. The waste is usually discarded in rivers, streams and oceans, where it can be harmful to the environment.
The good news is that coffee processing waste can be used as fertilizer or fuel. In fact, some countries use coffee processing waste to make biofuel. And others are using it to make biodegradable plastic!
Drinking coffee has been associated with several health benefits, but you may not be aware of the latest research findings. To stay up-to-date on the science behind coffee’s health benefits, check out our article on The Latest Research on the Health Benefits of Coffee: What You Need to Know.
Climate Change
You might think that your morning cup of coffee is just an ordinary beverage, but it’s actually a significant contributor to global warming.
Coffee is one of the most carbon-intensive crops on earth, and each cup creates 2.25 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—the same amount as driving a car 20 miles or flying 4,000 miles in economy class.
According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), worldwide production levels have been steadily increasing since 2000, increasing by almost 50% between 2000 and 2017.
This has led to significant deforestation across South America, Africa and Southeast Asia where coffee is grown—deforestation that exacerbates climate change by releasing CO2 into our atmosphere at alarming rates:
| Companies | Environmental Impact | Sustainable Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Nespresso | Has worked to reduce its carbon footprint and improve sustainability in its supply chain, such as by using biodegradable coffee pods and promoting recycling programs. | Invests in agroforestry and sustainable farming practices to reduce environmental damage. |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its operations, such as through renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings. | Has set targets for sustainable coffee sourcing and pledges to improve the environmental impact of its packaging. |
| Keurig | Has implemented sustainability programs to reduce water use, packaging waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. | Supports agroforestry and sustainable farming practices to minimize environmental impact. |
Note: The above table represents only a sampling of coffee companies and their efforts to address climate change and promote sustainability, and is not an exhaustive list.
Caffeine Addiction
Caffeine is a drug, and can be addictive.
Caffeine addiction is real, but it’s not as simple as saying “just stop drinking coffee.” That’s because caffeine affects everyone differently. Some people are less sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others.
Also, depending on your body chemistry or mental state at the time you’re consuming it, you may experience different symptoms from one cup to the next despite being generally familiar with how much caffeine is in your cup.
Choosing a coffee brand that aligns with your values can make a difference to both your health and the planet. To learn how to select a sustainable coffee brand, check out our guide on How to Choose a Sustainable Coffee Brand That Makes a Difference.
Caffeine can cause anxiety and insomnia
A study from Johns Hopkins University found that adults who drank more than three cups of coffee per day were twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than those who drank less than one cup per month (1).
It’s been connected with panic attacks (2) and sleep disturbances (3). If you’re already experiencing anxiety or insomnia after starting a new job or moving into a new home, switching to decaf isn’t going help either problem!
Single-Use Coffee Pods
The single-use coffee pod is a major source of waste. The pods are made from plastic, which can’t be recycled in most places and typically aren’t accepted by curbside recycling programs.
There are two types of plastic #6: Polystyrene (PS) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While PET has been recognized as being recyclable for decades, many consumers don’t realize that this includes the plastic used to make PS containers like shampoo bottles and peanut butter jars—and coffee pods.
Pesticides
When you think about coffee, chances are you don’t picture the pesticides involved in growing it. But pesticides are a huge part of how coffee is produced. In fact, according to one study, over 2.6 billion pounds of pesticides are used on crops worldwide each year—and coffee is no exception.
Pesticides are chemicals that can be used to kill insects and other pests that threaten plants or crops being grown for human consumption (like corn).
They’re also used to control weeds from growing near the crop itself so as not to compete with it for nutrients and sunlight—this process is known as “weed control” or “weeding out” weeds from fields where certain plants grow best at certain times of year due to their special needs for soil conditions like water absorption/retention levels measured by rainfall amounts during certain seasons when growth occurs naturally…
Fair Trade coffee provides farmers with a fair price for their crops, which can help improve their livelihoods. Learn more about the benefits of choosing Fair Trade coffee in our article on When to Choose Fair Trade Coffee for a Better World.
Wages And Worker Conditions
The coffee industry is notorious for its low wages and poor working conditions. In fact, many coffee workers are paid less than a dollar per day—the average wage in Haiti is around $1.50 per day—and some of the world’s most prominent workers’ rights organizations have condemned the conditions faced by coffee farmers (who are often forced to work under slave-like conditions).
In addition to being poorly paid and/or exploited by their employers, many coffee workers face health risks associated with pesticide exposure.
Pesticides may be used on crops before they leave the farm or after they reach consumers; even if you buy organic coffee that hasn’t been treated with pesticides, it’s possible that the beans were grown near fields of conventional beans sprayed with pesticides.
| Companies | Wages | Worker Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Offers its workers above-average pay and benefits, such as healthcare and stock options. | Has faced criticism for labor rights violations and poor working conditions, particularly in its supply chain. |
| Fair Trade Certified companies | Guarantee their workers a fair wage and other benefits, such as access to healthcare and education. | Often prioritize safe working conditions and collective bargaining rights for their employees. |
| Generic coffee brands | May have lower labor costs but often pay their workers less than fair living wages. | Frequently have poor working conditions and lack of employment benefits. |
Note: The above table is intended to be informative and is not an exhaustive list of all coffee companies and their labor practices.
Child Labor
The coffee industry is not immune to child labor. Children are often used as a source of cheap labor, particularly in countries where the standard of living is low and education is not prioritized.
In countries where poverty and lack of educational opportunities are prevalent, children seek out work to help support their families—even if it means performing dangerous tasks like harvesting coffee beans or cleaning processing machinery.
It’s important to note that child labor isn’t just a problem for coffee farmers; it’s also an issue for chocolate manufacturers, cotton farmers and many other industries that rely on cheap labor from impoverished children.
The International Labor Organization estimates that there are over 250 million child laborers around the world (roughly 5% of all workers), who perform various jobs including working with hazardous chemicals or operating heavy machinery without proper training or protection equipment (such as gloves).
While cheap coffee may seem like a good value, it often comes at a cost to the environment and the people involved in its production. To learn more about the true cost of cheap coffee and why it might not be worth the savings, check out our article on The True Cost of Cheap Coffee – Is it Worth It?
Deforestation And Forest Degradation
Deforestation is the process of removing trees from forests. Forests are important for many reasons, but you may not know that they play a role in regulating the Earth’s carbon cycle and preventing climate change.
Trees also provide habitat to many animals and plants, so deforestation can result in a loss of biodiversity.
Deforestation and forest degradation have severe economic consequences as well: it reduces productivity by decreasing land availability for agriculture and livestock grazing; it decreases human well-being through reduced water availability and quality; it leads to soil erosion;
it degrades soils by reducing nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus; it leads to an increase in flooding due to lack of tree cover (since rain will run off instead of being absorbed); finally, there is evidence that deforestation may contribute more CO2 emissions than using fossil fuels!
| Brand | Initiative Name/Description |
|---|---|
| Starbucks | Ethical Sourcing: Shade-Grown Coffee |
| Nespresso | The Positive Cup: Sustainable Coffee |
| Lavazza | Tierra Project: Promoting Sustainable Agriculture |
| Keurig Dr. Pepper | Responsibility Report: Sustainable Supply Chain and Reducing Environmental Impact |
| Illy | 100% Arabica Collection: Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices |
This table highlights some of the initiatives undertaken by major coffee brands to address the issue of deforestation and forest degradation in coffee production. These initiatives involve promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing environmental impact, and particularly, using shade-grown coffee. Starbucks’ Ethical Sourcing program includes a commitment to promoting shade-grown coffee, while Lavazza’s Tierra Project aims to help coffee growers implement sustainable agricultural practices.
Keurig Dr. Pepper’s Responsibility Report highlights its efforts to reduce environmental impact across its supply chain.
Nespresso’s Positive Cup program focuses on sustainable coffee sourcing through a combination of programs that support farmers and protect the environment. Lastly, Illy’s 100% Arabica Collection promotes sustainable farming practices among its suppliers and supports education and training programs for coffee farmers.
Nitrogen Pollution In Lakes And Oceans
The nitrogen in fertilizers and animal waste is finding its way into the ocean, where it’s causing a whole host of problems.
Nitrogen pollution causes dead zones, fish kills, and harmful algae blooms that can devastate marine ecosystems. It also negatively impacts human health: when nitrogen reaches drinking water sources, it can lead to bacterial contamination and make people sick.
Along with climate change, fertilizer runoff is one of the leading causes of ocean acidification—which means that as carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise due to fossil fuel use (and other factors), so does the acidity level in our oceans.
This phenomenon has severe implications for marine ecosystems—especially sea life like coral reefs which are already threatened by warmer temperatures brought on by climate change.
Supporting sustainable coffee brands can help promote ethical practices in the industry and reduce its impact on the environment. To learn about some of the best sustainable coffee brands to support, check out our article on The Best Sustainable Coffee Brands to Support.
Conclusion
As much as we all love our morning jolt of java, we can’t deny that the coffee industry has some serious problems. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to throw your favorite drink out the window. In fact, there are plenty of ways to make sure that your caffeine fix doesn’t come with an environmental cost.
If you want to learn more about how to choose a sustainable coffee brand or how to reduce waste in your home kitchen? Check out our blog posts on these topics!
Further reading
Here are some additional resources related to the dark side of the coffee industry:
Rooted in Racism: Dark profits in the coffee industry: This article explores the ways in which the coffee industry perpetuates systemic racism and how consumers can advocate for fairer practices.
The dark side of coffee: An unequal social and environmental exchange: This in-depth piece examines the social and environmental impact of coffee production, delving into issues of labor, land use, and global trade.
5 important ethical issues facing the coffee industry: This article discusses five key ethical issues facing the coffee industry, including fair wages, environmental practices, and transparency.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of coffee?
Research has suggested that coffee consumption may have various health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and conditions like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
How does fair trade coffee support farmers?
Fair trade coffee guarantees farmers a minimum price for their crops, which helps to protect against market fluctuations and ensure that they can earn a livable income from their work.
What is the environmental impact of coffee production?
Coffee production can have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable coffee production practices can help to mitigate these impacts.
How can consumers advocate for fairer coffee practices?
Consumers can support fairer coffee practices by choosing brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing, engaging with companies through social media and other channels, and advocating for policy changes that support fair trade and sustainable practices.
Are coffee workers paid fairly for their labor?
Many coffee workers, particularly in developing countries, are not paid a fair wage for their labor. This can contribute to poverty and limit access to education and healthcare. Fair trade certification and other ethical sourcing programs aim to address these issues by guaranteeing living wages and other benefits for workers.
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.
