5 tips for a greener and more responsible coffee shop

In honor of Earth Day, here are 5 tips to reduce your environmental impact, one cup of coffee at a time!

1. Choose fair trade and organic coffees

Organic farming has a range of beneficial effects on the environment: when your coffee is Ecocert certified, you can be assured that it comes from production methods that respect living ecosystems, better management of natural resources (water, air, soil fertility), as well as energy, socially responsible supply chains, and improved product quality and safety. This certification upholds essential elements for addressing current economic, social, and environmental challenges.

The land where the coffee is grown is enriched with natural plant matter, and coffee farmers can benefit from safer and more reliable agricultural practices. Furthermore, there is no exposure to pesticides for the farmers and the families who grow the coffee, and fewer risks of respiratory and health problems for the communities.

Fairtrade certification, for its part, allows farmers to receive a fair price for their coffee beans, in addition to the Fairtrade Premium. Producers themselves decide how they will invest their Fairtrade Premium. The Premium is an additional sum of money paid to farmers and workers on top of the Fairtrade minimum price. This sum can be invested in social, environmental, or economic development projects. These projects aim to improve their businesses and communities. In practical terms, this means investments in schools, transportation, healthcare, sanitation facilities, as well as a better environment, equipment, and business practices.

Ideally, opt for coffee with dual certification (organic and fair trade) to maximize your impact. When you choose coffee with both certifications, you can be sure you're contributing to environmental protection and the well-being of the people behind your cup of coffee.

2. Promote local commerce

Coffee doesn't grow in Canada, we all know that, but you can count on plenty of local roasters to provide you with excellent coffee. It's a great way to help the environment, but also to support the local economy.

In addition, you will have fresher, better quality coffee and a varied selection of coffees allowing you to find the perfect cup for you.

3. Prioritize buying in bulk

There's always a trade-off between freshness and eco-responsibility. Normally, we recommend buying enough coffee for two weeks to enjoy it at its best. However, if you can't buy coffee in bulk every two weeks, opt for the largest bag size possible to minimize packaging. Buying a 5 lb bag of coffee might not give you the freshest taste, but you'll be contributing a little more to the fight against climate change.

In any case, try to reuse your bag as much as possible. And if you're buying online, choose the compostable bag option. Since our coffees are shipped immediately after roasting, you don't have to worry about freshness!

4. Opt for traceability

We hear more and more about direct purchasing: it is not so much a specific purchasing model, but rather an industry term generally used to refer to purchases that are made as close as possible to the producer level.

Direct purchasing improves product traceability, whether by having a much more transparent value chain or by allowing us to know exactly where each coffee bean we source comes from : your coffee comes from the producer and goes directly to us to be roasted!

5. Use reusable containers

According to various estimates, Canadians use between 1.5 and 2 billion paper cups each year; millions end up in landfills. A little concerning, isn't it? Of course, our compostable cups are more environmentally friendly, but remember that they must be disposed of properly. Throwing them in a regular garbage bin defeats their purpose.

The best option is still to bring your thermoses, mugs, airtight containers, you name it! Remember to bring them every time you visit us to maximize your impact.