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Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world. Americans drink more coffee than any other nation - importing 16 to 20 million bags every year (2.5 million pounds). Keeping up with our caffeine demand, however, takes a toll on the environment. Throughout the tropics, commercial coffee growers are clearing forests for the newer sun-coffee plantations, destroying regions that are rich in biodiversity--the great variety of plant and animal life that helps support all life on Earth. This includes habitat for many songbird species - hummingbirds, swallows, warblers, orioles, tanagers and others - that visit our backyards every year.
But we can help stop forest destruction and protect the wildlife that enriches our lives. Many coffee producers are now offering coffee that is grown in shade conditions, either planted under other food crops such as bananas, or within existing forest. By switching to brands that are grown in this more traditional, "bird friendly" way, we can have our coffee habit and songbirds too. And, because shade coffee is generally produced for gourmet markets, we can also count on great taste! Imagine--healthy habitat with every cup!
How can we make the switch?
- Look for "shade grown" on the label. The Rainforest Alliance certifies Guatemalan Supreme Coffee and Copa de Oro as eco-friendly, or look for the Smithsonian's "Bird Friendly ®" seal of approval or Conservation International's "Conservation Coffee T" on select labels (for listings, see their Web sites, below). If your grocery store doesn't carry a shade grown brand, look for the organic or the fair trade label. Often, coffee labeled organic or fair trade is also shade grown. Give yourself bonus points if you find coffee that is all three. Brand names that are all three include: Café Canopy, Java Journey, and Thanksgiving Coffee.
- Ask for it where you buy coffee. You can usually find shade grown coffee in the grocery store at: Whole Foods, Safeway, Albertson's, Thriftway, Trader Joe's, many local Co-ops and coffee houses, and often in wild bird specialty stores. Even Starbucks now offers certified organic shade grown coffee produced in partnership with Conservation International, but you'll have to ask for it. If you can't find it at your local stores, ask them to start purchasing a shade grown brand! Or see below for where to find shade grown coffee on the Web.
- Spread the word. Ask your work place to get made-in-the-shade coffee, and help them find out where to get it. And, consider introducing shade coffee to your church. There's something really appealing about being good stewards for Creation during weekly fellowship. Equal Exchange has a faith-based program that provides discounts, displays, and information for churches.
To purchase coffee on the Web:
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