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Ethically Sourced Coffee

Those wishing to make a brew with a clear conscience would do well to choose Ethical Coffee. It is a broad term with a huge amount of meaning, but, fundamentally, it is one way of ensuring the welfare of mother nature.

What’s more, it supports those working in the industry from the ground level, many of whom depend heavily on coffee to sustain their livelihoods. You can learn more below or start browsing.

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What is Ethical Coffee?

Coffee ethically sourced is, hopefully, the future. However, understanding what the term means and how, exactly, it is applied to Coffee Beans matters above all else. It is one thing to call a Coffee “ethical.”

It is another thing to back such claims with evidence. Here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, when we say we stock Ethical Ground Coffee, we have the certification to prove it.

Our association with Fair Trade, an arrangement for sustainable and equitable trade relationships, and The Rainforest Alliance, an organisation of equal reputation, are but two examples.

Both of these renowned bodies certify traceable, transparent and truly ethically grown Coffee Beans, which translates to farmers getting paid fairly for the Coffee they’re producing. Allow us to explore them in detail.

Fair Trade Coffee Ethics

We shall move on to what is Fair Trade Coffee, specifically, by exploring the potential of Fair Trade Coffee production. A partnership with Fair Trade contributes significantly to sustainable development, particularly in the case of bettering trading conditions for farmers. Additionally, choosing Fair Trade Coffee Beans supports environmentally-friendly cultivation.

You can also rest assured knowing that it prohibits child labour or physical forced labour. And you will likely benefit from it, too, as such practices tend to go hand in hand with improving productivity and quality.

We’re proud to stock a Fair Trade Coffee Blend, which sustains the livelihoods of people in Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia. It is an infusion with high standards of respect from plant to cup.

What is Rainforest Alliance Coffee?

You now know Fair Trade Coffee facts. But there is another option for ethically sourced Coffee in Rainforest Alliance Coffee. This organisation adheres to several sustainable principles:

The fair treatment of all workers, the minimisation of soil erection, and the conservation of the surrounding landmass. Furthermore, workers receive fair pay and access to schools and healthcare.

We have several options for buying Rainforest Alliance Coffee. Each type comes with a commitment to the welfare of our planet by supporting a growing network of farmers, foresters, communities, scientists, governments, environmentalists and businesses.

It is, indeed, far-reaching. But a question remains concerning how standard Coffee compares to its certified counterparts.

Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade Coffee vs Regular Coffee

It would be unfair to say that any Coffee NOT certified by either the Rainforest Alliance or Fair Trade is automatically unethical. Some farms and estates will have many of the same practices in place, but haven’t yet received recognition for their hard work.

What is clear is that change needs to happen and soon. Climate change, plastic pollution and other issues need addressing. Why not make a start here?