Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. From third wave cafes to your local Starbucks, millions of people drink coffee every single day. However, this seemingly innocuous drink has led to some serious problems in certain areas where it’s grown.
The popularity of coffee has made it hard for farmers to make a living and led many plantations into debt by forcing them to use fertilizers and pesticides that aren’t sustainable or organic.
Luckily, there are new standards being implemented across the industry that will help improve conditions for everyone involved including consumers!
We’ll explain how these standards work and how they can help make your daily cup of joe even better than before.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Sustainable coffee farming practices prioritize environmental, social, and economic sustainability. |
| Choosing sustainable coffee brands supports ethical farming practices, fair wages, and environmental sustainability. |
| Fair trade coffee certification ensures that coffee farmers receive fair wages and that certain environmental standards are met. |
| Understanding the dark side of the coffee industry is important in promoting a more ethical and sustainable coffee industry. |
| Supporting sustainable coffee farming can promote soil health, protect biodiversity, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals. |
Organic Farming Practices
Organic farming practices are a different way of growing coffee. Organic farms do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides, but instead rely on natural methods to maintain the soil’s fertility and prevent pests from destroying their crops.
Organic agriculture is the fastest-growing segment of agriculture worldwide, accounting for 17% of global agricultural land in 2013.
It’s easy to see why: organic foods have been shown to have higher levels of antioxidants (which help fight aging) than conventional produce; they’re safer for children because they don’t contain harmful pesticides; they support healthier ecosystems and habitats by reducing carbon emissions and water pollution; and they’re better for animal welfare because they don’t involve torture in factory farms.
Organic farming also has an advantage over conventional methods when it comes to growing sustainable coffee: it uses less land per year than other techniques tend towards monoculture practices (which means growing only one crop over large swaths of land).
Sustainable coffee brands often prioritize ethical farming practices, fair wages, and environmental sustainability. To learn how to choose a sustainable coffee brand that makes a difference, check out our guide on How to Choose a Sustainable Coffee Brand That Makes a Difference.
Natural Insecticides And Pesticides
Natural insecticides and pesticides are better for the environment. One of the reasons is that they’re more selective, meaning they can target specific pests without harming other organisms in the area.
Another reason is that they’re typically made from plants for example, neem oil comes from seeds of a tree native to India. It’s used as an organic pesticide and insect repellant because it has antifeedant properties against mosquitoes, flies and even bed bugs!
Natural insecticides and pesticides are better for people who work with them too. Since these products aren’t synthetic chemicals, there’s little risk of exposure during application or handling; this keeps workers safe which improves their productivity levels due to less fatigue or illness because they don’t have any adverse side effects after using natural remedies on their crops like coffee beans (or other types).
Natural pest control also helps reduce long-term expenses associated with treating diseases caused by harmful insects in coffee trees such as “rust” infections on leaves caused by fungi called Hemileia vastatrix (HV).
| Coffee Brand | Natural Insecticide | Natural Pesticide | Benefits of Natural Insecticides and Pesticides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletproof Coffee | Black pepper, cinnamon, coconut oil | Diatomaceous earth, neem oil, tobacco | Reduced environmental impact, reduced health risks for farmers, improved soil health |
| Aldea Coffee | Neem oil, cayenne pepper, soap | Garlic, seaweed, compost | Reduced environmental impact, improved crop yield, support for sustainable farming practices |
| Kickapoo Coffee | Garlic, neem oil, pyrethrin | Soap, horticultural oil, compost tea | Reduced environmental impact, improved crop yield, support for sustainable farming practices |
| Kicking Horse Coffee | Chile pepper, elderberry juice, lemon juice | Soap, hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil | Reduced environmental impact, improved soil health, support for sustainable farming practices |
| Larry’s Coffee | Garden sage, chili pepper, garlic | Crop rotation, neem oil, beneficial insects | Reduced environmental impact, improved soil health, support for sustainable farming practices |
Shade Grown Coffee
Shade grown coffee is a more sustainable alternative to some of the other types of coffee. In this process, coffee plants are grown under a canopy of trees that provide shade and protect the plants from pests.
This also helps keep them cool, which means they can grow more slowly and produce more flavorful beans.
- The shade created by these trees has been shown to reduce soil erosion by up to 70 percent compared with traditional sun-grown methods.*
As a coffee lover, it’s important to care about sustainability and the impact of your choices. Learn about how you can contribute to a more sustainable coffee industry by checking out our article on Why Every Coffee Lover Should Care About Sustainability.
Fair Trade Coffee
Fair trade coffee is the way to go if you’re looking for high-quality, ethical coffee. The fair trade certification ensures that family farmers are paid a fair price for their product, ensuring they’re not exploited and work in safe conditions.
Beyond this, fair trade also guarantees that the beans are organic, shade grown (a practice which protects against deforestation), and bird friendly (birds can live on the farms without being harmed by pesticides).
The best part? You don’t have to go far to find fair trade coffee it’s available at your local grocery store or even your favorite neighborhood cafe! If it’s not available where you live right now, ask them if they’d be willing to carry it in exchange for your business; many shops will be happy to accommodate customers with special requests like these!
| Coffee Brand | Fair Trade Certification | Benefits of Fair Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Green Mountain Coffee Roasters | Fair Trade USA | Guaranteed minimum prices for farmers, community development funds, environmental sustainability |
| Starbucks | Fairtrade International | Guaranteed minimum prices for farmers, education and healthcare initiatives, environmental sustainability |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Fairtrade America | Guaranteed minimum prices for farmers, education and healthcare initiatives, environmental sustainability |
| Equal Exchange | Fair Trade Certified | Fair prices for farmers, direct trade relationships, support for small-scale farmers |
| Grounds for Change | Fair Trade Certified | Fair prices for farmers, support for community development, environmental sustainability |
Rainforest Alliance Certification
Rainforest Alliance certification almost always guarantees that your coffee is sourced from farms that meet the highest sustainability standards.
As a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting forests, land, and water resources in tropical areas around the globe, Rainforest Alliance works with farmers to ensure their practices are environmentally responsible. They also work with coffee roasters to ensure they’re sourcing ethically produced beans.
The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of each farm’s practices including environmental management, social responsibility, and economic viability and then certifies them based on these factors alone (it does not consider taste).
The process can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on how many other farms are being audited at the time; hence why you’ll see lots of different dates for when your favorite brands were certified by Rainforest Alliance (like this one).
Supporting sustainable coffee brands is one way to contribute to a more ethical and environmentally conscious coffee industry. Check out our list of The Best Sustainable Coffee Brands to Support to find out which ones prioritize sustainable farming practices, fair wages, and environmental sustainability.
Bird Friendly Certified Coffee
Bird friendly coffee refers to a set of practices that help protect the environment, specifically birds. It is important for farmers to engage in these practices because they can reduce the impact of agriculture on wildlife and their habitats.
There are two main types of bird friendly certified coffee; shade and organic. Shade grown coffee is grown under a canopy of trees that helps provide shade for the plants, lessening the effect of direct sunlight which can cause sunburn and other damage to the plants.
Organic production methods require no chemical pesticides or fertilizers, so providing habitat for birds will not harm them from harmful chemicals used by other farmers on their crops.
This article covers how bird friendly coffee benefits both human beings as well as our feathered friends!
Water Usage At Farms
As a consumer, you’re probably well aware of the importance of water usage in your life. You know that it’s necessary to drink plenty of water every day and that using too much can be harmful to our bodies.
When we think about how important water is to us as individuals, it’s easy to understand how crucial having an abundant supply is for farmers who grow our food products.
We think it’s important for consumers to be aware of this because when you buy coffee from farms that use excessive amounts of water, you’re contributing directly to their practices (and thus supporting them) through your purchase.
For example: if two farms both grow the same amount of coffee trees but one uses twice as much water as the other, then buying from them will mean that they’ll continue doing so because they know there are people out there willing to buy their product no matter what which means they don’t have any incentive at all not only stop using so much but also take steps towards being sustainable by investing in new technologies like drip irrigation systems instead or building dams on nearby rivers instead!
Fair trade coffee is a way to support farmers and promote ethical and sustainable farming practices. Learn about when to choose fair trade coffee and its impact on the coffee industry by reading our article, When to Choose Fair Trade Coffee for a Better World.
A Sustainable Business Model For Farmers
The concept of sustainable business models is a familiar one to many people, but it can be difficult to determine how exactly to apply this type of thinking to the coffee industry.
For instance, what does it mean for a farm or roaster to be socially responsible? And how does that compare with environmental responsibility? The following sections discuss some ways that businesses in the coffee trade can align their practices with social and environmental responsibility.
Social responsibility refers to how you treat your employees and customers—and also how you treat communities around your business.
When there’s a lack of social responsibility in an industry, it can lead to negative consequences on many levels: poor working conditions; poor customer service; poor community relationships; and more. All these things affect profitability and sustainability as well!
Environmental responsibility refers to how businesses manage resources like water, soil fertility (manageable), biodiversity (plants & animals), air quality (pollution), energy consumption (electricity) etc..
A sustainable business model should maximize those resources while minimizing its impact on them through waste management systems such as recycling programs etc..
| Coffee Brand | Sustainability Initiatives | Benefits of Sustainability |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Ethical sourcing guidelines, funding for farm renovation, community support programs | Improved quality of life for farmers, reduced environmental impact, improved customer satisfaction |
| Nespresso | AAA Sustainable Quality Program, coffee capsule recycling program, community support initiatives | Improved quality of coffee, more sustainable farming practices, reduced environmental impact |
| Equal Exchange | Fair trade sourcing, farmer support programs, organic certification | Fair wages for workers, environmentally friendly farming practices, support for small-scale farmers |
| Counter Culture Coffee | Direct trade sourcing, sustainability training programs, carbon neutral facilities | Support for small-scale farmers, reduced environmental impact, improved quality of coffee |
| La Colombe | Direct trade sourcing, community support initiatives, eco-friendly packaging | Improved economic opportunities for farmers, reduced environmental impact, improved customer satisfaction |
A Sustainable Future For Coffee Producers And Consumers Alike
If you want to ensure that your coffee isn’t negatively impacting the environment, be sure to look for a label such as “Fair Trade Certified.” This certification ensures that farmers are receiving fair wages and working in safe conditions.
The next time you’re at the grocery store or coffee shop, take some time to read the labels on your favorite brands of beans. If they aren’t labeled as “fair trade,” ask about their sustainability practices when purchasing from brand new sources.
And if you’re looking for an alternative way to enjoy your favorite drink without putting more stress on natural resources? Consider buying single-origin beans—they’re typically more expensive than blends, but will yield a much fresher taste!
| Coffee Brand | Sustainability Initiatives | Benefits of Sustainability |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Ethical sourcing guidelines, funding for farm renovation, community support programs | Improved quality of life for farmers, reduced environmental impact, improved customer satisfaction |
| Nespresso | AAA Sustainable Quality Program, coffee capsule recycling program, community support initiatives | Improved quality of coffee, more sustainable farming practices, reduced environmental impact |
| Equal Exchange | Fair trade sourcing, farmer support programs, organic certification | Fair wages for workers, environmentally friendly farming practices, support for small-scale farmers |
| Counter Culture Coffee | Direct trade sourcing, sustainability training programs, carbon neutral facilities | Support for small-scale farmers, reduced environmental impact, improved quality of coffee |
| La Colombe | Direct trade sourcing, community support initiatives, eco-friendly packaging | Improved economic opportunities for farmers, reduced environmental impact, improved customer satisfaction |
Small Changes Over Time Create A Wave Of Change
Small changes over time can create a tide of change. Just as the ripples from one stone in the water can spread and make waves, small actions can have big impacts. If you’re looking for ways to help out on your farm or in your community, here are some simple steps you can take:
- Use compostable coffee cups instead of plastic ones.
- Use reusable mugs when ordering coffee at cafes or restaurants.
- Buy only fair trade certified products so that farmers in developing countries receive fair pay for their work (and invest in companies that do so too).
The coffee industry has a dark side that is often hidden from consumers. Understand the issues and challenges facing coffee farmers and workers by reading our article on The Dark Side of the Coffee Industry: What You Need to Know. Only by being informed consumers can we work towards a more ethical and sustainable coffee industry.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway here is that sustainability can be achieved with a little bit of love, care and understanding.
It may take some time to get there but when we take small steps towards our goals each day we are making progress towards a better future for everyone involved.
Further Reading
For more information on sustainable coffee and ethical coffee sourcing, check out the following articles:
Sustainable Coffee Supplier: Your Ultimate Guide to Ethical and Eco-Friendly Coffee Sourcing: This article provides a comprehensive guide to sustainable coffee sourcing, including tips for choosing ethical and eco-friendly coffee suppliers.
The Amazing Animals of Coffee Farms: Everything You Need to Know About Supporting Sustainable Coffee Production: Learn about the important role animals play in sustainable coffee production and how you can support ethical and sustainable coffee farming.
Know About Coffee Beans and Sustainable Coffee Farming: This article provides an overview of sustainable coffee farming practices and how they can benefit coffee farmers, the environment, and consumers.
FAQs
What is Sustainable Coffee Farming?
Sustainable coffee farming is a farming practice that prioritizes environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This includes using eco-friendly farming methods, paying fair wages to workers, and promoting biodiversity on coffee farms.
What is Fair Trade Coffee?
Fair trade coffee is coffee that is certified to meet certain social and environmental standards. This certification ensures that coffee farmers receive fair wages and that certain environmental standards are met.
How Can I Choose Sustainable Coffee Brands?
Look for coffee brands that prioritize sustainable coffee farming practices, fair wages, and environmental sustainability. Look for certifications such as organic and fair trade, or research the brand’s sourcing and farming practices.
How Does Sustainable Coffee Farming Benefit the Environment?
Sustainable coffee farming practices can help to promote soil health, protect biodiversity, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals. This can result in a healthier and more sustainable environment.
How Can I Support Sustainable Coffee Farming?
You can support sustainable coffee farming by choosing coffee brands that prioritize sustainable farming practices, fair wages, and environmental sustainability. You can also look for certifications such as organic and fair trade, or research the brand’s sourcing and farming 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.