We crave the flavor and aroma. The taste brings us joy and for some, relief. Yet, there’s a story behind the 146 billion cups of coffee a year that Americans often celebrate in our morning routine. Just how sustainable is the bean that goes into that daily cup of joe? How and where did it grow, get harvested, processed, and roasted? Coffee is now grown in more than 50 countries, with Brazil being the world’s largest producer. Our desire to caffeinate involves many steps before it lands in our mug; the coffee industry, like any other, has environmental and social impacts.

First, how was the crop managed? Was the soil protected with minimal water use? Was it “shade-grown” on a farm featuring an array of native trees creating a canopy over the coffee bushes? This boosts biodiversity, decreases soil erosion, and acts as a carbon sink. Was the bean waste composted and used as a fertilizer?

Second, how are the farmers treated? Is social justice instilled to promote fair wages, humane conditions for employees, gender equality, and education access for children?

Third, is the coffee organic? USDA Organic certification bans the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, in addition to requiring farmers to use methods that prevent soil erosion.

Look for the following certifications when purchasing coffee: Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, B Corp, Shade Grown, Carbon Neutral, or Organic. Beyond the bean itself, other sustainable tidbits include:

1. Is the coffee light, medium, or dark roasted? Current research reveals that because light-roasted beans are roasted at lower temperatures and for less time, they are a better environmental choice (and may also contain more caffeine!)
2. How is your coffee packaged? Is the packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable?
3. If you use pods, are they reusable vs. single-serve? The same goes for sugar and cream.
4. Are you composting your grounds and filters, if used?
5. How sustainable (and healthy) are your add-ins? Locally sourced? Organic? Dairy-free?

I hope these guidelines help to enrich your next cup of joe to complete satisfaction.

By Mary Closser