Section:
eco
Shade-Grown Coffee: The Environmentally Sound Beverage
Coffee is a shade-loving shrub and naturally occurring varieties can only be cultivated under a canopy of shade trees. Until twenty-five years ago, "shade-grown coffee" was the only way coffee was cultivated. Full-sun hybrid coffee trees produced higher yields for coffee farmers and allowed for the creation of huge plantations. The increased yields of full-sun coffee, however, come at the expense of the environment, of the flavor of the coffee itself, and of migratory bird populations, which have been decimated in the last twenty-five years.
The more shade-grown coffee is demanded by consumers, the more economic incentive there is for farmers to replant shade trees and slow the destruction caused by full-sun coffee. By purchasing shade-grown coffee, you send a message to coffee farmers that there is economic viability in returning to traditional methods of coffee cultivation. You also send a message to coffee retailers that you are willing to pay a little more for a superior product that is much less damaging to the environment and to migratory birds.
Triple-Certified Coffee
In addition to purchasing shade-grown coffee, you want to be sure that the coffee also be "organic-certified" and "fair-trade-certified." In other words, you want to purchase "triple-certified coffee." This certification ensures that no chemicals were used during production, that the farmers were paid a living wage for their crop, and that it is shade-grown.
Resources
Equal Exchange Fair Trade Online
Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade Program
Other Links
Where can I purchase?
Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade
Actions
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Become educated consumers by learning about the issues: shade-grown vs. sun-grown coffee, organic, and fair trade. Learn more at www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff/coffee
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Raise the issue of sustainable coffee among friends.
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Buy shade-grown, organic, and fair trade coffee for home and work.
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Request that retailers carry sustainable coffees if they don't already.
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Ask for shade-grown, organic, and fair-trade coffees at restaurants.
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Support organizations that work on sustainable coffee issues.
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Learn about sustainable food-related choices by visiting www.greensgrow.org and www.foodroutes.org
100% Organic Coffee
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Grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers
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Assures the health of the soil, forest, and farmers
Certified Fair-trade Coffee
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Gives farmers a better standard of living
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Guarantees producer cooperatives a minimum fair price
Shade-grown Coffee
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Protects migratory bird habitats
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Reduces clear cutting in tropical rainforests
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Enhances flavor
