Discover the best sustainable coffee brands for a conscious and delicious brew
Who doesn’t like coffee? For me personally, it’s my morning fuel, I prefer to have no breakfast, and after having a glass full of water, nothing beats a hot cup of coffee.
On one of these fine rainy days, enjoying this very cup of coffee I pondered over the question can this cup of delicious beverage be made sustainable? Maybe it was the stimulating effect of the coffee, but that idea really stuck with me and hence this post.
After a bit of research, I found that most of the coffee, unfortunately, is not that sustainable. There are two types of coffee plants, one that grows in the sun, and one that grows in shade. The sun-grown coffee plant has been tailored to produce nearly three times as much coffee as the shade version. Increased production of sun-grown coffee plants results in greater loss of rainforest. In the 1950s, approximately 15% of the earth’s surface was covered by rainforest, whereas today there is merely 6% rainforest coverage.
Apart from this, since coffee is one of the most traded commodities, the pressure to do large-scale production causes a lot of abuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Apart from having adverse effects on our health, this also affects the type of soil and vegetation around us.
According to some estimates, every cup of coffee consumed destroys roughly one square inch of rainforest, making it a leading cause of rainforest destruction. Well, what can we do to solve this issue?
Quitting coffee is definitely an option, but like many of my readers, this might not be the easiest way, given how addictive this beverage is, and not to forget the proven benefits of coffee.
So I went through the pain of researching some sustainable coffee sources, sources that put good effort towards solving this crisis, and at the same time keeping us coffee-heads happy. These are some of the top brands that I would recommend:
As the name suggests, Tiny Footprint Coffee is a renowned brand that places a strong emphasis on sustainable coffee production through responsible practices. They meticulously source their beans from organic and fair trade farms, ensuring that every cup is not only delicious but also contributes to a sustainable future. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, the company goes the extra mile to reduce its carbon footprint. One of their pioneering initiatives is “The Carbon Negative Project,” where they offset more carbon emissions than they produce, making each cup of coffee sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The brand’s dedication to sustainable coffee extends to the meticulous selection of blends and single-origin options. Each carefully crafted blend offers a delightful taste experience while upholding the highest standards of quality and sustainability. By focusing on sustainable coffee, Tiny Footprint Coffee demonstrates an unwavering commitment to both flavor and environmental responsibility.
Moreover, the company actively collaborates with local communities, farmers, and cooperatives to ensure fair compensation and ethical working conditions. They prioritize building long-term relationships, supporting their partners in sustainable farming practices, and empowering them economically.
Equal Exchange is a renowned brand that stands at the forefront of sustainable and fair-trade coffee. Established in 1986, Equal Exchange operates as a worker-owned cooperative, striving to foster a more equitable and sustainable global trade system.
At the core of their mission is a strong emphasis on fair trade practices. However, Equal Exchange also places great importance on organic farming methods. Their sustainable coffee offerings bear the certified organic label, ensuring that the beans are cultivated without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This commitment safeguards the environment, preserves biodiversity, and upholds the well-being of both farmers and consumers.
Equal Exchange takes pride in its diverse range of sustainable coffee varieties, encompassing blends and single-origin beans sourced from various countries. Their reputation for delivering high-quality and flavorful coffee is a direct result of their dedication to partnering with small-scale farmers who possess deep-rooted passion and expertise in their craft.
No, they don’t kick horses to make coffee. Instead, Kicking Horse is a Canadian coffee company that is well-known for producing high-quality, organic, and fair-trade coffee. Founded in 1996 and based in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, they have gained a reputation for their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmentally friendly practices.
Kicking Horse Coffee prioritizes the production of sustainable coffee by ensuring that its beans are organically grown and sourced through fair-trade practices. They are dedicated to promoting a more equitable global trade system and contributing to a healthier environment. With its focus on sustainable coffee, Kicking Horse Coffee has become a trusted brand for coffee enthusiasts who value ethical and environmentally conscious choices.
4. Ethical Bean
Ethical Bean Fairtrade Organic Coffee is a brand that places a strong emphasis on sustainable coffee production. They prioritize the production of high-quality coffee while adhering to ethical and sustainable practices. Central to their commitment is the use of certified organic coffee beans. This certification ensures that the beans are cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, promoting environmental sustainability and minimizing the exposure of farmers and consumers to harmful chemicals.
In addition to its organic certification, Ethical Bean is dedicated to sourcing its coffee beans in a socially responsible manner. They establish direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives in coffee-growing regions around the world, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all individuals involved in the coffee production process. By focusing on sustainability, Ethical Bean strives to make a positive impact on both the environment and the communities that depend on coffee farming.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters, based in Portland, Oregon, is renowned for its sustainable approach to coffee. Established in 1999, Stumptown has become a leader in the industry, known for its high-quality specialty coffee and direct trade relationships with farmers worldwide. They prioritize fair prices for farmers and maintain transparency in the supply chain. With meticulous bean selection and small-batch roasting, Stumptown brings out the unique flavors of each origin. Sustainability is a core value, reflected in their eco-friendly practices and support for organic and sustainable farming. Stumptown’s influence extends to shaping the “third wave” coffee culture, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.
Hope that this helps you get started into making that cup of coffee sustainable. Make sure you drink enough water and keep your teeth healthy whilst you enjoy your coffee.
