I am a coffee lover.
But the thing about coffee, is that coffee farmers are usually way underpaid for their product (that is then sold at much, MUCH higher price).
Both the coffee and the chocolate industries, are the main "employer" of child labor (and forced labor in general).
Both the coffee and the chocolate industries, are the main "employer" of child labor (and forced labor in general).
When foods are certified fair-trade
it means workers are paid fair wages,
free from abusive, exploitative labor practices,
work in healthy and safe conditions, and use
environmentally sustainable methods.
Good coffee in not necessarily fair trade certified, organic coffee is not necessarily fair trade certified, expensive coffee is not necessarily fair trade certified.
it means workers are paid fair wages,
free from abusive, exploitative labor practices,
work in healthy and safe conditions, and use
environmentally sustainable methods.
Good coffee in not necessarily fair trade certified, organic coffee is not necessarily fair trade certified, expensive coffee is not necessarily fair trade certified.
When I came across Global Community Works, I knew I wanted to support them, by buying their coffee.
I love their coffee, and I love their vision:
"to help the people of marginalized or disadvantaged communities develop five key areas: Industry, Leadership, Spiritual Community, Health and Education.
These five key areas determine the overall well-being of a community and our projects seek to meet those specific needs."
So I am confident to know that the coffee I purchase is not only the freshest coffee I can get (roasting is twice a week, so you literally get a super fresh product when you order here), but it also helps to do some good.
They have also animal projects and water projects.
They have also animal projects and water projects.
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| source |
It doesn't get any better than this.
It also helps that I personally know the people who found this organization.
They live right there,in Guatemala, among the coffee farmers.
They live right there,in Guatemala, among the coffee farmers.
They were some of the first people I met back then, when I moved to US 15 years ago.
I often buy their coffee not just for myself, but to share with others, because I absolutely love everything about them.
***I am no way being compensated to endorse this product. Just sharing a simple way we can make a difference in this world***
Stay Frugal,
I love the idea of being a conscientious consumer. Also love coffee. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteI've been aware of this problem. I remember when my students and I were working on a project about child labor and in doing research, we stumbled across the issue of chocolate and coffee. I think you're doing the right thing by being a conscious shopper. It's so "easy" not to.
ReplyDeleteI don't buy a lot of coffee, but one of the reasons why I buy the hair products I use is because they are natural, use all fair trade ingredients, is affordable, and a great product!
Well, you know me! I have pimped myself out to Starbucks with a daughter that managed a Starbucks store. I got my coffee for free because she didn't drink it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post, though! You are on the right track. xo Diana
I'm not a coffee drinker but you just enlightened me on something I knew nothing about. I had no idea that you could get fair trade coffee. I love that, even though you weren't compensated, you shared something you believed in.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who does a lot of work for the Fair Trade organisation in the UK. I wouldn't dare drink anything else with her on my case!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I was pleasantly surprised to find fair trade coffee at Aldi's..who knew?
ReplyDeleteI really didn't know about all that and I am a huge coffee drinker. I will definitely be looking for fair trade now.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know much about coffee. I never buy it my husband does all I know is that is Ethiopian. I wonder if they have samples for him to taste? I will definitely let him know.. great post Daniela.
ReplyDeleteI also come from a coffee producer country, and I love coffee. Kudos to you Daniela for bringing this topic to everyone's attention. I'm off to visit their page. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDearest Daniela,
ReplyDeleteThis is far better than blindly following the worldwide craze and hype for Starbucks coffee. That is NOT the best coffee in the world but people want to belong to a popular group without doing ANY research on their own.
Good for you!
Hugs,
Mariette
I hate to say this, but I never really gave my coffee much thought before this. I have always enjoyed the Starbucks brand. It's good to be conscientious about the history of your coffee. However, I'm a die hard lover of this brand. Sorry! Now, I hope no one comes to my house and attacks me. LOL!
ReplyDelete