Coffee is one of the most important commodities in the world. Even though it does not occupy a prominent position as a stimulant in the total trade volume of most importing countries, it dominates the export of goods in many coffee-producing countries. Income from coffee production is therefore of great importance not only for the coffee farmers, but also for the living conditions of all people in these regions.
Fairtrade coffee, what is it exactly?
Germany is – after the USA – the second largest buyer of coffee. How we drink our coffee and where we buy it therefore has a strong influence on the market and thus on the countries and the people who work there. If you buy fair trade coffee, you can be sure that these beans are traceable and that the supply chain is regularly checked. The goals are: 1. no poverty – end poverty in all its forms and everywhere. 2. Gender equality – Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. 3. Decent work and economic growth – Sustainable economic growth and decent work for all. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. 4. Less inequality – reducing inequality within and between countries. 5. Sustainable consumption and production – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Apart from the noble goals, there are still many different ways to consume coffee sustainably. Here are our tips.
Nurucoffee – delicious Fairtrade coffee in organic quality
Ex-Germany’s Next top model Sara Nuru and her sister Sali offer sustainable coffee from Ethiopia. By buying fair trade and organically grown coffee, you also support women’s projects and give them a perspective for a better future. With nuruCoffee and nuruWomen e.V., they want to offer an alternative to the classic donation model and create awareness for sustainable consumption. Therefore, 50 percent of the profits, but at least 1 euro per kilogram of coffee sold, go to women’s projects in Ethiopia. At nuruCoffee, we want to draw attention to the people along the value chain, give them a voice and put women in the foreground. Means: buying fair coffee and doing good.
KPM – Porcelain coffee-to-go mugs
The porcelain coffee-to-go mug from the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin (KPM) comes handmade from Berlin. Sustainably produced, you can elegantly do without the plastic-to-go cups.
Alternative coffee capsules
Now we consumers can also drink coffee from a machine with capsules (Nespresso) almost without hesitation. Many suppliers now offer reusable or compostable capsules. The capsules fit into all common capsule machines. They are definitely more environmentally friendly than aluminum capsules. It should be noted, however, that they usually take longer to decompose than normal organic waste, so they cannot be disposed of without hesitation. The refillable version is better, but it is not easy to get the right coffee blend into the capsule. It’s all about testing and trying.
