14 July 2017

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.

Deforestation is a has been a major problem throughout Latin American. When farmers used traditional methods to farm coffee, the forests and wildlife thrived, but when many resorted to a hybrid seed, which requires extensive sunlight, all the natural resources suffered. The Rainforest Alliance works to educate local farmers about the importance of maintaining a safe and protected water and forest system. It encourages them to sequester carbon, which reduces the effect of global warming.

While coffee conglomerates and stockholders see significant increases in their net profits, many of the local farmers are still living in abject poverty. Some abandon this farming in favor of other crops that require clearing land and removing the natural forests. Education plays a key role here. When farmers learn how they can increase their profits by increasing their yields with modern techniques, many decide to return to traditional farming.

Most people understand that climate change is real and man made, not just a natural earth cycle. Many do not realize that deforestation is a significant factor and that agriculture contributes to the majority of timber burning and degrading. Greenhouse gases are the unfortunate result of this type of destruction.

Human rights violations go along with the lack of respect and proper education with regard to the importance of natural resources. It is not uncommon for laborers to live with poverty, violence, and displacement. This organization has as one of its goals economic security for these workers.

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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