Greener beans - Tools For Green Living: Resources for Eco-Awareness and Action - environmental coffee - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

E: The Environmental Magazine, May-June, 2002 by C.B. Gaines

Coffee prices have plummeted in recent years, forcing many farmers to abandon their land (see "Trouble Brewing" In Brief, this issue). Now an increasing number of consumers are supporting coffee farmers by purchasing fair-trade and organic coffee. The nonprofit TransFair certifies fair-trade coffee, which is purchased directly from farmer cooperatives at a guaranteed "decent" price--enough for a farmer to support his/her family and maintain his/her livelihood.

Global Exchange offers a variety of fair-trade and organic certified coffees, from French Roast to Decaf ($5.99 for 12 ounces). Thanksgiving Coffee sells a broad range of fair-trade, organic and shade-grown coffees from Africa, Central America and Indonesia in mild, medium and strong roasts ($8 to $20 for 12 ounces). Roast Your Own sells fair-trade and organic green (unroasted) coffees ($4.95 to $5.95 for 12 ounces) and home roasters ($59 to $119), which allow demanding coffee connoisseurs to fine-tune the roast. CONTACT: Global Exchange, (800) 497-1994, x237, www.globalexchange. com; Roast Your Own, (888) 307-6278, www.roastyourown.com.