Sustainable Coffee – A Superior Choice for Java Enthusiasts

Ah, that aromatic smell of brewing coffee has opened the eyes of many
people around the world. Whether it is that first morning cup, mid-day
brew or after dinner drink, coffee’s flavors and uses have had an
impact on the health of its drinkers as well as the well-being of the
planet.

The health benefits of consuming coffee have been controversial and perhaps difficult to determine. A recent study
conducted by Autonoma University in Madrid highlighted the possibility
of reducing the risks of developing heart disease, especially for
women, when drinking up to six cups of coffee per day. Coffee also
contains large amounts of anti-oxidants, which are known to prevent
disease.

The many more commonly known adverse affects of drinking coffee may
include its contributions to blocked arteries, adrenal stress and acid
and toxic buildup
in the liver. Equally important to remember is that coffee should not
be used as a consistent substitution for sleep deprivation as
insufficient sleep is linked to numerous health issues. can pose a serious hindrance in achieving optimal health.

There may be other hidden concerns of drinking coffee which include the
use of vast amounts of pesticides used in large-scale coffee farms.
Pesticides are poisons that pose dangerous long term risk to human
health and the environment. Other issues include labor abuse/stress and
habitat/biodiversity destruction.

With the first known cultivation dating back to the ninth century in
the highlands of Ethiopia, coffee has since become a very lucrative
global commodity. Big corporations have industrialized its production
and in turn removed the natural habitat for cultivation and replaced it
with large-scale factory coffee farms.

For java enthusiasts everywhere, you do have a choice: Organic, Fair
Trade Certified, shade-grown coffee provide a positive option for your
health and the environment.

• Organic Coffee:
  Does not use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that pollute our
  bodies, watersheds, soil and air. Organic coffee has the reputed bonus
  of enhanced flavor and aroma and oftentimes, increased antioxidants.
  Organic coffee is also grown under shade trees, which retains and
  supports the natural eco-balance and positively impacts the
  environment.
• Fair Trade Certified Coffee:
  Although all Fair Trade coffee is not certified organic, this practice
  does require strict environmental stewardship including prohibiting the
  use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the most toxic pesticides.
  It also sets labor and trade standards that ensures that small-farmers
  secure a guaranteed price above conventional market rates.
• Shade Grown Coffee:
  Coffee grown under shade trees help maintain bio-diversity. The trees
  provide a rich habitat for birds that in turn provide a natural form of
  pesticide. Many shade birds flock to organic coffee farms, as their
  tropical habitats have been lost to deforestation. This helps prevent
  extinction of species. The fallen leaves from the trees also nourish
  and purify the soil preventing water contamination.

Another wonderful way to improve your garden and support
sustainability is to compost your coffee grounds. High in nitrogen
content, the grounds will break down into nutrient-dense soil that you
can use for planting organic flowers, vegetables and plants.

So if you choose to have that cup of brew, make a choice that supports a healthy difference for you and the environment.