Opting for organic coffee means forgoing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that could pollute waterways, endangering wildlife. Organic farming techniques help preserve sustainability, using natural predators instead of harmful chemicals to control bugs. When purchasing ethically sourced and fair trade coffee, not only are you supporting healthy soil and environments, but you are directly impacting farmer livelihoods as well as communities.

Fair trade certification helps protect coffee farmers from unscrupulous middlemen offering them only a fraction of the market price for their crop. Fair Trade USA sets minimum prices that enable farmers to cover production costs and invest their earnings back into improving their farms and communities. Many small-scale and family owned farmers sell through Fair Trade; creating ongoing ethical relationships between themselves and global importers.

Rainforest Alliance certified coffee is another eco-friendly option, providing numerous advantages to farmers, their families and the environment. Achieving this certification requires meeting stringent environmental, social and economic criteria – no deforestation; limited pesticide and herbicide usage; biodiversity-enhancing farming techniques like agroforestry; engaging in conservation activities etc – in order to achieve it. Rainforest Alliance certification encourages high-quality sustainable farms which support surrounding communities while creating a healthier future environment for future generations.

Equal Exchange is a company dedicated to developing equitable trading partnerships that prioritize human rights, the environment and community well-being. They were one of the first to offer fair trade and organic coffee, helping people connect their values with purchases. Their mission is to raise consumer awareness of their purchases’ effects while offering organic, fair trade and certified organic options that satisfy everyone’s taste preferences.

Explorator Cold Brew is a premium small-batch roast certified USDA organic and Fair Trade by both organizations, as well as being committed to sustainability by making donations to Charity:Water and supporting coffee farmers in Honduras in providing employment to people exiting criminal justice systems. They’re also an online retailer where you can buy ethically sourced and fair trade products in one go!