On coffee

On coffee

09 Nov 2005

Got questions about the environment? Ask Umbra.

Dear Umbra,

I am a seriously indulgent coffee drinker. Lately, there have been a ton of "green" coffee shops popping up. I like to support local coffee shops, and I want to believe that they are "shade-grown, fair-trade, organic," but I've wondered if they are being honest. How do I know if they are legit?

Claudia Gutierrez
San Diego, Calif.

Ask Umbra continues below

ADVERTISING POLICY

Dearest Claudia,

Shade-grown, fair-trade, and organic are certifications, not just buzzwords. All three resulted from our wanting a way to ascertain, when buying coffee, that our addiction supported sustainable agriculture and fair labor standards, rather than displaced workers toiling in serfdom on devastated land. You can determine legit-dom by doing a little sleuthing: check for labels -- coffee meeting all three standards is called "triple certified" -- and ask if the roaster itself has been certified.

Sip, sip, hooray!

Here's what to look for: Fair-trade certification indicates producers and workers who receive a fair price for their goods, and a production process that considers social, economic, and environmental factors. It requires annual inspections, fees, and filings to be sure producers continue meeting the standards. At present, it is controlled by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, which is made up of national organizations; the U.S. arm, TransFair USA, uses a (hopefully familiar) label on certified products. The fair-trade movement is an excellent hope for sustainable development worldwide, and definitely worth supporting.

Organic certification is a similar process, but focuses on production, not price or labor specifications. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements provides an umbrella organization and voluntary agreement on organic basics. In the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture certifies organic producers and processors, and some private and state entities do as well. There is a (hopefully familiar) label in this case as well, and also no shortage of controversy.

While organic and fair-trade are organized and widespread eco-labels, shade-grown certification is a bit less formalized at this point. The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and the Rainforest Alliance both offer third-party labels that verify the maintenance of diverse forest and bird habitat on coffee plantations. From what I've seen, shade-grown is not a make-or-break certification for addicts, in part because it is least prevalent and least specific.

It might be worth a spin around the links I've provided, to better understand what you're hoping and paying for with eco-labels. Otherwise, follow my recommendation that Fair Trade is the first label to look for and demand at your brewery. Then, begin your sleuthing.

Jittery,
Umbra

Yours is to wonder why, hers is to answer (or try). Please send Umbra any nagging question pertaining to the environment -- but first check out her FAQs!

The claims made in this column may not reflect the views of this magazine. Neither the magazine nor the author guarantees that any advice contained in this column is wise or safe. Please use this column at your own risk.

Umbra Fisk is Grist Research Associate II, Hardcover and Periodicals Unit, floors 2B-4B.

Comments: (7 comments)

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Starbucks Challenge

Hey Claudia & Umbra

The issue of FT is certainly a tricky one as I have since discovered but there are plenty of FT coffee suppliers out there. Including Starbucks believe it or not.

Starbucks promise that you can get a cup of FT coffee in any of their stores in 23 countries. And if it is not being brewed then they should press it for you. This is all company policy. However the reality is not that simple.

I (www.cityhippy.net) am based in London and along with an LA based blogger (greenlagirl.blogspot.com) have set up the Starbucks Challenge which aims to test the Starbucks FT Coffee promise. More info about the challenge is here and here

RESULTS SO FAR
We set up the challenge on Oct 4th and so far 130+ blogs have spotlighted the challenge (including some biggies) leading to 140+ challenges in over 11 countries around the world and 24 US states plus DC.

Starbucks got in touch after just 3 days and are watching the results.

Turns out getting a FT coffee in a Starbucks is not as simple as Starbucks had hoped. But at least they are listening and learning.

Good luck on your FT coffee hunt.

Namaste

CH

City Hippy
http://www.cityhippy.net

by City Hippy at 3:29 PM on 09 Nov 2005

Pimping Coffee

Why is a site, supposedly dedicated to environmentalism pimping coffee?

Sure, I agree that organic, shade-grown, fairly traded coffee is better than not (both for your taste buds and the planet.) But, coffee, is essentially a neuro-toxin. Taken in large enough quantities, it can cause a number of uncomfortable, if not dangerous side-effects.

Not to mention that many people are simply allergic (and unaware of it) to the stuff.

My sense of environmental ethic says, cut out the coffee. Coffee is not an essential part of anyone's diet.

by RobertW at 5:30 PM on 09 Nov 2005

Fair Trade Direct

Hey guys,

I am an intern at the Community Agroecology Network (CAN), based in Santa Cruz. CAN is an international network committed to sustaining rural livelihoods and environments by integrating research, education and trade innovations. We work in 5 rural communities in Central America, Mexico, and Costa Rica doing research witht he farmers to create methods of sustainable farming while promoting biodiversity conservation and community livelihood.

So what you ask? We have an amzing program where you can buy coffee DIRECTLY from the Coopepueblo cooperative in Costa Rica. The cofee is grown, roasted, packaged, and then shipped directly to your door. Through the cooperative, most of the "middle men" are eliminated and the farmers get the highest selling price for their coffee, 5 times more than convential coffee market prices, and even 2 TIMES MORE THAN FAIR TRADE PRICES.

Visit www.communityagroecology.net to find out more information.

Right now, prices are reduced due to our holiday campaign. You can buy a monthly coffee subscription for you or a gift recipient. CAN coffee makes a great holiday present!!

Lana Read Earth Odyssey by Marc Hertsgaard. Now.

by lanawuzhear at 7:06 PM on 09 Nov 2005

More information on Caffeine

Caffeine has numerous debilitating effects on the human physiological system.

Caffeine exacerbates and exaggerates the sensation of stress in stressed individuals.

Here's a link to more information from the journal of psychosomatic medicine.

by RobertW at 7:53 AM on 10 Nov 2005

Sailboat certified coffee

I can see the good environmentalist sitting down to breakfast. A piece of toast baked locally from local ingredients, a pat of locally produced butter, local jam made from local strawberries grown in season and preserved for those cold winter days. And a cup of fair-trade, shade-grown, organic coffee..... that has traveled around the world raising your food millage beyond what anyone can consider "sustainable".

Of course I still drink coffee. I'm addicted. But what is Umbra's advice regarding this conundrum? I know that when other foods are discussed we are advised to forego such things, such as strawberries when they are out of season, which only makes sense. I don't eat bananas or pineapple at all because they can't be grown here. But what about when coffee beans are never in season where I live? Is there a fourth certification assuring me that it has been shipped in a sailboat?

by bastish at 6:03 PM on 10 Nov 2005

Addiction

Does the fact that you are addicted to coffee mean that it's acceptable to use it, despite the environmental problems associated with its use?

Is addiction chic? What does that say about the strength and resourcefulness of the inner being?

I think the environmental argument, coupled with the health consequences, amount to enough incentive to let go of the coffee habit.

Certainly it is enough to deny the marketing of coffee in supposedly environmentalist news sources. Would the editors of grist consider advertising for organic, fair-trade certified tobacco products?

by RobertW at 12:21 AM on 11 Nov 2005

Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee

Dear Umbra,

I would like to point out that Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee goes way beyond "shade grown". All coffee farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance are evaluated against both social and environmental standards, including worker wages & rights, health & safety, living conditions, pesticide/herbicide use, waste recycling and habitat conservation. Farmers achieving Rainforest Alliance certification can command a premium for their coffee, providing an economic incentive for sustainable farm management. For a comprehensive list of our standards, please see
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/agriculture/certified-crops/get-certified.html.

The Rainforest Alliance does not condone coffee boycotts. Boycotting coffee creates hardship for the millions of farm workers in poor countries whose ability to feed their families, pay for health care, and educate their children depends on the rest of us drinking lots of coffee. Rather, we work to transform the way coffee is grown to preserve valuable wildlife habitat and improve the lives of the people who depend on coffee farming to survive. And we encourage consumers to help us transform the industry by purchasing responsibly.

Concerned coffee drinkers can rest assured that they are making good choices for people AND the environment when they choose Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Many thanks,
Jennifer Vogel
Rainforest Alliance

by jvogel at 9:41 AM on 14 Nov 2005

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