SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Buy organic and shade grown varieties . Organic plants are not treated with pesticides that are harmful to humans and the ecosystem . Shade grown means that coffee plants are grown under a canopy of trees . All too often , forests are cut down for land to grow coffee plants . Saving trees also preserves the habitats of animals , especially birds .
Look for fair trade certified coffee . According to
Fairtrade . net , purchasing coffee from fair
trade farmers allows them to invest in growing quality beans , adapt to problems caused by climate change and earn better prices for their product . The livelihood of about 120 million people depends on coffee production .
Keep trash out of the landfill by ditching single-serve coffee cups , filters and coffee pods . Instead , use a reusable mug and consider buying a reusable coffee filter or singleserve coffee capsule .
Don ’ t throw away your coffee grounds . Sprinkling them around plants will stop snails and slugs devouring your garden . Coffee grounds contain nitrogen , a great natural fertilizer for plants .
Experts agree that businesses , governments and consumers must work together to sustain the coffee industry in years to come .
Coffee holds the promise of driving sustainable agriculture and farmer prosperity .
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