Ideal Bite

Feeling a little confused about the different labels you see when buying coffee beans?

06.22.2005

Submitted by idealbite on Wed, 06/22/2005 - 5:00pm.

The Bite:

Change your coffee provider if not at least one of these: organic, shade-grown or fair-trade certified. And when you can, go for the trifecta! Look for the labels next time you are at your grocery store or ask your local barista for these options.

The Benefits:

It tastes better.
It is good for the planet.
It is good for the coffee workers -- paying them a living wage and enabling their children to stay in school (instead of picking beans).

100% Organic Coffee

Grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers
Assures the health of the soil, forest, and farmers

Certified Fair-trade Coffee

Gives farmers a better standard of living
Guarantees producer cooperatives a minimum fair price

Shade-grown Coffee

Protects migratory bird habitats
Reduces clear-cutting in tropical rainforest

Personally Speaking:

While it might cost about 20% more, we do indulge in Fair Trade coffee because we are worth it and the positive impact for both the planet and its people is pretty huge, since Fair Trade is usually grown in an organic manner.

Wanna Try:

Grounds for Change offers a variety of shade-grown, certified Fair Trade, and organic coffees at both retail and wholesale. And their website is a joy to peruse!

Mother Earth Coffee Company offers trifecta coffee exclusively from El Salvador, at surprisingly competitive prices. A one-pound bag of medium- or dark-roasted whole beans costs just $10, while a one-pound bag of decaf costs just $11.

Grounds for Change and Mother Earth Coffee Company are both members of the Fair Trade Federation, an association of coffee merchants and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide.