Coffee farming is more than a profession for millions of farmers around the globe; it is their livelihood. Since coffee is one of the world’s most widely traded commodities, consumers must understand their choices’ impact on these farmers who produce such beloved beverages. There are various ways that shoppers can make responsible choices when selecting their morning cup of joe.

By purchasing fair trade certified coffee, you are supporting farmers who have met certain standards based on dialogue and transparency. These standards include minimum prices that protect farmers against market fluctuations that might reduce prices as well as community development funding – this money goes toward projects benefitting local communities such as schools or healthcare facilities that help raise living standards among these farmers and their families.

Opting for organic coffee takes it one step further by prioritising environmental sustainability and worker protections. This means forgoing chemicals like pesticides and fertilisers that harm both the environment and those working on farms. Furthermore, organic farming practices focus on conserving water and soil to support ecosystem health in your locality.

While purchasing organic coffee may present certain drawbacks, most shoppers are willing to make the switch in order to support healthy and sustainable farming practices. As such, fair trade organic options can usually be found at most supermarkets – here are a few places we like shopping for this special kind of brew:

Equal Exchange was founded over three decades ago on the belief that consumers and producers can forge mutually beneficial relationships, so as a worker-owned co-op they focus on social justice and environmental sustainability in every step of their supply chain, from sourcing to roasting coffee beans. Their dedication has earned them top honors in our care for people and planet rankings.

Higher Ground Roasters in Smallville is dedicated to doing good. In addition to offering delicious coffee, they source their beans ethically and use an eco-friendly roaster which conserves up to 80% less natural gas compared to traditional roasters. Furthermore, they buy wind power credits in order to offset daily carbon use as well as partner with nonprofits in giving back to the community.

DOMA Coffee of Idaho embodies sustainability and social change. Their team works closely with farmers to establish long-term relationships, and roasters have access to high-quality specialized beans. Furthermore, DOMA commits to paying a premium price for organic and fair trade coffee so as to give back directly to communities they serve.

Their commitment to transparency extends from their supply chain, which they share on their website, as well as partnerships with numerous community organizations in rural Idaho to offer career and mentorship opportunities to women – making this product ideal for the environmentally-minded consumer.