How to Support Sustainable Coffee: What to Look For
Coffee is a global industry with significant environmental and social impacts. By choosing sustainable coffee, you can help protect the planet and support ethical farming practices. Here’s how to make greener choices.
1. Look for Certifications
- Fair Trade: Ensures farmers receive fair wages and work under humane conditions.
- Organic: Guarantees coffee is grown without harmful chemicals, promoting biodiversity and soil health.
- Rainforest Alliance: Focuses on environmental sustainability, wildlife protection, and ethical farming.
- Shade-Grown Coffee: Protects forests by growing coffee under natural tree canopies.
2. Choose Direct Trade
Direct trade coffee often involves roasters working closely with farmers, ensuring better pay and fostering transparent relationships. Look for brands that mention direct trade practices or shop from a roaster which also reduces the carbon emissions associated with transportation.
3. Recyclable and Reuse
Many coffee brands now offer carbon neutral, biodegradable or recyclable packaging. This helps reduce the environmental footprint of your morning brew. Also, you can swap disposable pods and filters for reusable options. For pod machines, invest in refillable pods, and for drip coffee, use stainless steel or cloth filters.
4. Buy in Bulk
Purchasing coffee in bulk, for example buying a 1kg rather than 5 200g bags, reduces packaging waste and often saves money. Store it properly in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Supporting sustainable coffee doesn’t just benefit the planet—it helps ensure that coffee farming remains viable for future generations.