mercredi 12 juillet 2017

How Purchasing Rainforest Alliance Coffee Impacts The Environment

By Brenda Schmidt


The first thing on many people's agenda in the morning is a hot mug of coffee. Some are even willing to pay significant amounts of money for a big cup of designer brew. There is such a demand for this product that the industry is booming. There are non-profit organizations dedicated to ensuring that a fraction of the profits eventually fall into the hands of the farmers and laborers who harvest the crops. When you opt to purchase a bag of Rainforest Alliance coffee for instance, you are contributing to the efforts of these workers.

Rainforest Alliance certification is not easy to get. The farmers and cooperatives must prove themselves by meeting stringent and specific qualifications, including a commitment to social, economic, and environmental responsibility. They certify that their workers are given a living wage and labor under agreed upon guidelines. Female workers are included in the rules for humane treatment.

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.

This business may be booming, but few farmers have benefited from the success. Many farmers opt to plant single crops which involves leveling forests. This organization is dedicated to convincing local planters that by increasing their yield in an environmentally responsible way, they will harvest more product and become a more powerful force in the local marketplace.

There is a direct relationship between agriculture and the effects of climate change. When the rainforests are decimated to make room for fields, greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. The Rainbow Alliance teaches communities how to protect and use their natural resources instead of destroying them.

Poverty and violence go hand in hand along with a lack of education when it comes to preserving the rainforest and wildlife habitats. Workers have long been victims of labor law violations, disenfranchisement, and displacement. This organization realizes the importance of establishing economic security within the community.

Individuals around the world can do simple things to help in this effort. Donations are welcome, but there are other ways to contribute. Consumers can choose to purchase beans that are certified with the official seal. They can frequent shops and restaurants that display the official rainforest frog. Tourists can book hotels and take tours through companies supporting the local communities. Encouraging local schools to educate students about the ecosystem and the importance of sustainable farming will have an impact.

People who are lucky enough to enjoy their cup of coffee everyday should consider the effort that went into their pleasure. Supporting Rainforest Alliance products is one way to do that. It may seem like a small thing, but it can make a difference.




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