When it comes to trying to source products locally, coffee is one of those that is difficult or even impossible for many people, including me, to do. (Although coffee that is grown overseas & then locally roasted & processed is available in many places, including Ottawa). It is very important that coffee is sourced wisely, especially as it is considered the second most widely traded global commodity after oil & is consumed by many, often several times a day, every day. To ensure the coffee chosen is causing the least amount of impact possible to the environment, our health & the health & livelihood of those who grow it, look for the following certifications:
Organic
Ensures that sustainable & chemical free farming practices are used.
Fair-Trade
Usually requires sustainable & organic farming practices. Ensures that workers are treated right, including fair prices, labour conditions, direct trade & democratic & transparent organisations. It helps to support communities financially, preventing child labour & reducing poverty & promotes community development & environmental sustainibility.
Shade Grown/Bird Friendly
Coffee traditionally grows in rainforests, in the shade of the canopy, which is home to many birds & other wildlife. Coffee can be grown more easily & cheaply in sun, but only with extensive use of pesticides. Removal of the canopy is ecologically destructive & eliminates important habitat.
Rainforest Alliance
This label ensures the use of environmentally sustainable practices, fair treatment & conditions for workers & preservation of animal habitat.
Utz
This is an emerging certification that originated in Europe & is considered by some to have the least stringent environmental criteria & could just be the result of larger corporations attempting to join the ethical market & greenwash consumers.
For more information on Utz & other coffee certifications read: http://www.coopcoffees.com/all_news/media/articles/making-sense-of-certification-2014-fair-trade-direct-trade-rainforest-alliance-utz-whole-trade-and-organic/
Without a doubt responsibly grown coffee is more expensive & I also discovered that it very rarely comes ground, meaning that some kind of grinder is neccesary. However, as it is a product I consume on a daily basis, meaning that my choices do make an impact, I feel it is worth the slightly higher cost.
If you are not willing to make the switch to more responsibly grown coffee, atleast consider avoiding products made by the four biggest & least reputable companies: Kraft, Nestle, Sara Lee and Proctor & Gamble.
Tea
Mindfully choosing tea is very much the same as coffee. It is often heavily sprayed, so organic or sustainably grown is important, as is Fair Trade Certification to ensure ethical & fair practices for workers.
Another logo to look for belongs to the Ethical Tea Partnership http://www.ethicalteapartnership.org/ which works with tea producers and companies to ensure a socially just & environmentally sustainable tea industry.
The group's members range from large multinational organisations with well-known brands to smaller, privately-owned specialists producing ’boutique’ blends. Together they account for more than 50 brands in over 100 countries.
Members:
Members:
Reginald Ames Ltd
The Republic of Tea
Ringtons
Tazo Tea
Tea Ltd
The Tetley Group Ltd
Twinings
United Coffee
Windmill
When making & drinking coffee & tea consider further ways to reduce your environmental impact, such as choosing organic milk/cream, Fair Trade sugar, reusable or unbleached paper filters, products that use less and/or recyclable packaging & by composting used grounds/leaves & taking a reusable mug to shops & cafes.
Acknowledgements:
'The Conscious Kitchen' by Alexandra Zissu
