{"id":1608419,"date":"2022-04-05T15:17:24","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T19:17:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1608419"},"modified":"2022-04-05T19:13:00","modified_gmt":"2022-04-05T23:13:00","slug":"your-guide-to-buying-ethical-coffee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/your-guide-to-buying-ethical-coffee\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Buying Ethical Coffee"},"content":{"rendered":"

Coffee may be a <\/span>staple of your morning routine<\/span><\/a>, whether it\u2019s a calming ritual or a necessity to keep you focused. But do you ever stop to think about where your coffee comes from, who produces it, and what hardships are endured before it arrives on your kitchen table?<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to growing coffee, the industry is <\/span>notoriously corrupt<\/span><\/a> in terms of labour practices and environmental impact. Farmers in countries such as Guatemala, Colombia and Ethiopia do backbreaking work for minimal wages. The farmers often have to clear-cut their forests and use harmful pesticides to achieve a bigger yield and meet the demand\u2013all this so they can survive. Meanwhile, coffee roasters and retailers make a massive profit off of inexpensive green beans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rules and regulations have been put in place in recent years to help farmers get a fair deal and resist carrying out environmentally harmful practices. But corruption in coffee still exists. <\/span><\/p>\n

As a consumer, you have an overwhelming amount of choices in front of you. But with a bit of knowledge on the industry, you can make a few simple changes to your buying habits to make better choices. And, while you\u2019re at it, you\u2019ll be enjoying better coffee. Ethical coffee and delicious coffee tend to go hand-in-hand\u2013it\u2019s a win-win situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few things to consider if you want to be a more ethical coffee consumer. <\/span><\/p>\n

Roasted Coffee Price<\/span><\/h2>\n

The first thing you\u2019ll want to be aware of as a more conscious coffee consumer is the price tag on your beans. Be wary of suspiciously  inexpensive coffee. When coffee sells at a low price, you know right away that the farmer is not getting a fair deal for their product. <\/span><\/p>\n

While higher prices don\u2019t necessarily guarantee a better deal for the farmer, you\u2019re more likely to get more ethical coffee from independent roasters. Decent quality beans, both in terms of ethics and quality, sell for at least $20 per pound roasted. <\/span><\/p>\n

Certifications and Labels<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes you\u2019ll see a few different certifications and labels on coffee bean packages. Knowing what they all mean can help you buy better, more ethical coffee. None of these certifications are 100% fool-proof, but buying coffee with these labels will ensure you\u2019re buying a better product <\/span><\/p>\n

Shade Grown<\/span><\/h2>\n

This means that the coffee plants are covered by a canopy of trees, which retains the diversity of the ecosystem. The coffee plants coexist with trees, plants, insects and animals. When farmers are forced to eradicate other plants and animal species for monocrops, which yield a bigger harvest, it results in soil erosion and deforestation. The \u201cshade grown\u201d certification indicates sustainable farming. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fair Trade Certified<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Ethical
Image by Fauzan My<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This certification ensures that the farmer was paid a fair, living wage for their product. The pay rates for farmers are $1.40 per pound of non-organic green beans, $1.70 per pound of organic, and an additional $0.20 community development premium per pound. For comparison, farmers were being paid as low as $0.30 per pound before this certification was created. <\/span><\/p>\n

Organic Certified<\/span><\/h2>\n

Organic Certified is a rigorous verification process ensuring that no pesticides or chemicals were used in the farming. In addition, the coffee crop has to be a certain distance away from other crops that use pesticides to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. <\/span><\/p>\n

Direct Trade<\/span><\/h2>\n

This label indicates that the roaster or retailer has a direct relationship with the farmer, and pays the farmer directly. This term can be vague, and it is not a legally-binding term\u2013anyone can claim it. However, many roasters use this term in good faith, and you can verify this yourself by checking out the roaster\u2019s website. Some good roasters who are passionate about their product will actually visit the farmers in countries like Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, and Ethiopia. <\/span><\/p>\n

Rainforest Alliance<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Rainforest Alliance certification has a two-fold mandate of upholding sustainable agricultural practices and protecting the rights of workers, including the prevention of child labour. However, the problem with this certification is that only 30% of the coffee needs to be Rainforest Alliance Certified in order to have that certification. If you can find it, purchase beans that say \u201c100% Rainforest Alliance Certified\u201d on the package.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bird-friendly<\/span><\/h2>\n

While harder to find, this certification is certain to guarantee the most ethical coffee possible. Created by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre (SMBC), this certification mandates that the coffee is grown in an ecologically diverse setting. It is similar to the Shade Grown certification, but with more stringent standards with regards to canopy height, plant species diversity, and more. This certification is automatically organic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Environmental Impact of Coffee<\/span><\/h2>\n

While you can buy beans that are connected to less damaging agricultural practices, it\u2019s also important to consider the ecological footprint of purchasing roasted coffee and buying takeaway drinks from your local coffee shop. The production of single use paper and plastic emits CO2 into the air and contributes to climate change, not to mention the waste it creates. Paper cups lined with plastic can\u2019t be recycled and end up in landfills.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a consumer, you can choose to have your favourite coffee drink served in your own travel mug. You can also purchase coffee beans in compostable kraft coffee bags. Better yet, support zero-waste coffee shops and buy your coffee beans in bulk. Some shops will charge you a refundable deposit fee when you buy their beans in glass jars. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do Your Research<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Coffee<\/p>\n

Find your favourite local coffee roasters and do some research\u2013read the labels on the packaging and look up their website to find out any community initiatives they\u2019re involved in. Coffee roasters should be able to tell you what parts of the world their coffee comes from for transparency and traceability. <\/span><\/p>\n

Coffee has a long supply chain to travel before it gets to your cup, and every stakeholder has a responsibility to do better. As a consumer, the best thing that you can do is make an educated choice, and speak with your credit card.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Coffee may be a staple of your morning routine, whether it\u2019s a calming ritual or a necessity to keep you focused. But do you ever stop to think about where…<\/div>\n
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