Monday 10 July 2017

You Make A Difference When You Purchase Rainforest Alliance Coffee

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.

Because the traditional method of growing beans requires the shade of the forests, farmers are taught the importance of preserving and fostering their natural resources. This organization works to ensure the protection of waterways and teaches local workers how to keep the land rich and productive. Many are using techniques to capture carbon and reduce the effects 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.

Climate change is a very real problem for farmers everywhere and nowhere more so than in Latin America. Greenhouse gases are released when forests are degraded or burned down. The overwhelming percentage of forest destruction is related to agriculture. This organization is dedicated to teaching the local communities the importance of retaining their resources and using them to their advantage.

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.

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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