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Is All Organic Coffee Fair Trade?
Organic labels on food generally mean healthier for us and the environment, and when applied to coffee it means the same. By choosing to drink organic and fair trade coffee you are supporting both farmers and the planet at once!
Organic labels refer to the absence of fertilizers and pesticides used on beans as well as how they are picked, roasted, ground (if needed), packaged and sold. Fair Trade certification on the other hand mandates minimum prices plus an added premium that must be invested back into a grower’s community or business; this helps ensure their continued production without resorting to unsustainable practices such as overproduction or deforestation.
Fair Trade not only supports coffee farmers but also works to preserve the natural environment in regions where it’s produced. This is achieved by encouraging shade-grown farms which create a diverse ecosystem while decreasing chemical fertilizer needs. Furthermore, water and soil conservation practices help protect wildlife habitat and plants alike.
Many brands that provide Fair Trade and organic coffee are also committed to sustainability, such as Public Goods Coffee which offers various Fair Trade and organic options to fit every preference and packaging made with eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, Public Goods donates a percentage of profits back into at-risk children charities.
Higher Ground Roasters offers both organic and Fair Trade coffee. Their mission includes supporting sustainable farming practices and purchasing wind power credits; additionally they contribute back to nonprofit organizations like Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Cahaba River Society through partnerships.
Equal Exchange is another company offering both Fair Trade and organic coffee, being run as a worker-owned cooperative since 1983 and prioritizing people and the planet when making decisions – this can be seen especially clearly when considering their coffee which comes from numerous countries across the globe sourced organically and at fair trade rates.
At present, there are 7.8 billion people on earth and producing enough organic food is simply impossible. But we can all do our part by choosing Fair Trade or organic coffee and supporting charities like Charity:Water.
If you’re ready to switch, organic and Fair Trade coffee are easily accessible both online and at brick-and-mortar locations. Check out Thrive Market for ethically-sourced sustainable products that you may also need!
Tell me about your favorite Fair Trade and organic coffee brand in the comments! I love trying different varieties. To learn more, check out Fair Trade USA’s official website.