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Coffee is the second most valuable internationally traded commodity in the world. More than half of all U.S. adults drink coffee. Therefore, Americans have a tremendous influence over the world's coffee market and use this influence to protect thousands of songbirds and their rainforest habitat.
Most simply, we can buy sustainable grown coffees - those that are shade grown, organic and fairly traded. If 10% of U.S. coffee drinkers demanded sustainably grown coffees, approximately 135,000 hectares of coffee producing land in northern Latin America could be converted back to the traditional shade-grown/organic method. In addition, farmers of sustainable coffees typically receive a higher price for their crop. With today's international coffee market at an all-time low, this premium paid for sustainable coffees is critical to the farmer's survival, the well being of their families, and the stability of their communities.
WHERE TO BUY SUSTAINABLE COFFEES
More broadly, we can:
- Become educated consumers by learning about the issues: shade-grown vs. sun-grown coffee, organic, and fair trade.
- Raise the issue of sustainable coffee among friends - a gathering at a café might be the perfect place. Request shade grown, organic and fair trade coffee! If a café carries sustainable coffees that are not being poured, ask that they do.
- Buy shade grown, organic and fair trade coffee for home and work. Request that retailers carry sustainable coffees if they don't already.
- Ask for shade-grown, organic and fair-trade coffees at restaurants and espresso stands.
- Support organizations that work on sustainable coffee issues.
- Start a sustainable coffee campaign network to educate consumers, stores and media on the importance of shade-grown, organic and fair-trade coffees.
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