Organic Coffee/Tea

At first, the idea of organic coffee and tea may sound like it is just a healthier alternative, yet the implications of choosing organic coffee and tea are far reaching, extending beyond your own physical well being. First, it may be best to describe what organic coffee is and how it is grown.

For years farmers have been encouraged to grow coffee and tea on fields that were exposed to full sun. This was taught to farmers as a way to increase revenue by producing more crops on a faster time scale. However, the consequences of growing coffee under these conditions were never taken into consideration. When coffee is grown under full sun conditions, the entire ecosystem is thrown off balance. To begin with, the trees are cut down and destroyed. This makes the farm a virtual waste without the means necessary to repair itself and sustain growth. Since many countries that harvest or are home to coffee farms are also in areas where there are lush rainforests, jungles, and other forms of exotic life, removing and destroying their natural habitat is a dangerous thing to do. Not only does it upset the delicate balance of nature, but also its effects are felt for many generations to come.

If destroying the natural habitat of many of the world’s most precious animals and resources isn't enough, it gets worse. Without the trees, animal life, and natural organisms that help reduce the amount of pests and predatory animals, the use of insecticides and pesticides used on full sun coffee farms increases. Since the early 1950’s pesticides and insecticides have been used frequently, yet their effects on human health, animal life, and the environment cannot go unnoticed. They are linked with cancer causing agents and the farm workers who use these chemicals report many health conditions directly caused by these carcinogens. Additionally, these toxic chemicals remain in the soil, pollute and contaminate the water, and cause devastation that cannot be repaired.

Organically grown coffee is harvested on farms that implement “shade tree” techniques. This method of growing coffee is time tested and produces a higher quality of coffee bean without the use of chemical pesticides and insecticides. Trees provide the natural habitat for many indigenous birds that naturally feed upon the insects and pests common to coffee farms. The farmers in turn are not exposed to dangerous toxic chemicals, and the earth and eco-system remains lush, in tact, and well nourished. The soil is not easily targeted for erosion and the earth is well benefited.

There is another aspect of choosing organic coffee and teas that should be considered as well, and that is the issue of Fair Trade. Fair Trade makes certain that the workers and farmers who harvested the coffee and tea were paid decent and fair wages. Commercially grown or sun grown coffee and teas have had a negative impact on the livelihoods of the indigenous people who grow their coffee in organic methods. Often, the effects of the money-making industry would drive the local farmers into poverty. Purchasing organically grown coffee and teas from companies with a commitment to Fair Trade ensures that not only are the coffee, environment, and farm thriving, but that the farmer’s family and community is prospering as well.