How Purchasing Rainforest Alliance Coffee Impacts The Environment

By Brenda Schmidt


Many adults feel they can't start their day without at least one strong cup of coffee. There are people who enjoy tasting new flavors and don't mind paying several dollars for a small sampling. These same individuals may never give a thought to the farm workers who make this pleasure possible. While this industry has exploded over the last few years, the Latin American communities where the beans for planted, grown and harvested have had less success. You can help them and the environment by purchasing Rainforest Alliance coffee.

The Rainforest Alliance seal on a package of whole or ground beans means that the farms and farming cooperatives that harvested the product have met rigorous certification qualifications. There are specific economic, social, and environmental criteria restrictions. The organization works with the certified farmers to ensure workers are living and working under humane conditions regardless of gender.

Because the traditional method of growing beans requires the shade of the forests, farmers are taught the importance of preserving and fostering their natural resources. This organization works to ensure the protection of waterways and teaches local workers how to keep the land rich and productive. Many are using techniques to capture carbon and reduce the effects of global warming.

Although the coffee industry is thriving, Latin American farmers often see little of this wealth trickling into their pockets. Many end up abandoning their farms or leveling forests in order to plant single crops. With help from the Rainforest Alliance, many farmers are learning how to maximize the land they have, which increases their yield and produces more money at the market.

Climate change is a very real problem for farmers everywhere and nowhere more so than in Latin America. Greenhouse gases are released when forests are degraded or burned down. The overwhelming percentage of forest destruction is related to agriculture. This organization is dedicated to teaching the local communities the importance of retaining their resources and using them to their advantage.

Lack of respect and understanding of the significance of forestation can often predict human rights violations. Workers are often subjected to violence, poverty, labor law violations, and disenfranchisement. Rainforest Alliance is working to change the routine displacement of workers and increase their economic security.

People always want to know how to help, and there are many ways it can be done. Money is always welcome, but so is choosing products that clearly advertise the seal of certification. Commercial establishments that display the seal can be chosen over those that don't. Vacationers to Latin American can opt to stay at participating hotels and book tours with companies that do the same.

Having a good cup of coffee is a habit for many and a real pleasure for those who enjoy it. How it is produced is important and should be considered when sipping. Every cup involves the environment, the economy, and the lives of the small communities that depend on the production.




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