There are few things that can kick-start your day quite like a cup of java does. However, that good-morning cup comes at a price. If you're among the growing number of consumers who think about the impact of their purchases before they buy, you don't have to despair, though. With organic gourmet coffee, you can still enjoy your cup with a clear conscience.
Traditionally, farmers plant the trees among other trees, so that they grow partially in the shade. Often it is difficult to tell natural forest from planted trees when production happens in this way. This means that wildlife can still live in the area without too much of an impact on their natural habitat.
In the quest for more efficient production, many farmers have changed their methods. They plant the trees in rows, plantation style, with no other trees in between. To do this, however, they first have to clear the land and destroy the existing plant life. The result is that they destroy the natural habitat of many species. In addition, they use chemicals that harm the environment and even cause marine pollution miles away.
The modern way of production also benefit only a few. The farmers who grow the beans earn a pittance compared to what the large retailers who distribute these beans make in profits. Since the farmers come from developing, poorer nations in Latin America and Africa while the retailers are often multinationals from rich, developed nations, this keeps the North-South divide in place.
There are two main ways for you as consumer to minimize the negative effects of that cup of medium or dark roast. The first is to go organic, where the beans are produced without the use of agrochemicals. The second is to look out for fair trade beans, because this means that the farmers who grew the beans got paid fair prices.
For beans to be labeled fair trade, they must be grown sustainably by small-scale farmers who belong to co-operatives. Small-scale farmers usually grow their beans according to traditional methods and since they often find agrochemicals prohibitively expensive, they tend to use natural ways of soil fertilization and pest control. This means that even though they do not have the official certification, their produce is in effect organically grown.
You can order fair trade gourmet coffee or organic gourmet coffee online or buy it from specialty shops. You can even buy coffee gift sets that contain everything a caffeine lover needs, from the beans to plungers or mugs. Some big retailers also stock these products. However, if you want to focus on fair trade, it is best to buy your beans from the co-operatives themselves or from small businesses that act as agents for these co-operatives. In this way you'll help the producers empower themselves and their communities.
Traditionally, farmers plant the trees among other trees, so that they grow partially in the shade. Often it is difficult to tell natural forest from planted trees when production happens in this way. This means that wildlife can still live in the area without too much of an impact on their natural habitat.
In the quest for more efficient production, many farmers have changed their methods. They plant the trees in rows, plantation style, with no other trees in between. To do this, however, they first have to clear the land and destroy the existing plant life. The result is that they destroy the natural habitat of many species. In addition, they use chemicals that harm the environment and even cause marine pollution miles away.
The modern way of production also benefit only a few. The farmers who grow the beans earn a pittance compared to what the large retailers who distribute these beans make in profits. Since the farmers come from developing, poorer nations in Latin America and Africa while the retailers are often multinationals from rich, developed nations, this keeps the North-South divide in place.
There are two main ways for you as consumer to minimize the negative effects of that cup of medium or dark roast. The first is to go organic, where the beans are produced without the use of agrochemicals. The second is to look out for fair trade beans, because this means that the farmers who grew the beans got paid fair prices.
For beans to be labeled fair trade, they must be grown sustainably by small-scale farmers who belong to co-operatives. Small-scale farmers usually grow their beans according to traditional methods and since they often find agrochemicals prohibitively expensive, they tend to use natural ways of soil fertilization and pest control. This means that even though they do not have the official certification, their produce is in effect organically grown.
You can order fair trade gourmet coffee or organic gourmet coffee online or buy it from specialty shops. You can even buy coffee gift sets that contain everything a caffeine lover needs, from the beans to plungers or mugs. Some big retailers also stock these products. However, if you want to focus on fair trade, it is best to buy your beans from the co-operatives themselves or from small businesses that act as agents for these co-operatives. In this way you'll help the producers empower themselves and their communities.
About the Author:
Find high quality organic gourmet coffee by visiting our official website. To access important pricing details for fair trade gourmet coffee, click the links on our homepage now.
No comments:
Post a Comment