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Get Political, Drink Coffee

© Bob Ewing

Sun, can't live without it, can't live with too much of it, we have been having near prefect weather here for the past week, sunny days, rain at night, a good balance. If you take a few minutes and think about it, balance is the state we all seek. I've just become aware of an issue that we can actually do something about on an individual and a group basis.

Coffee, something many of us can't start the day without, is traditionally grown in the shade. Apparently, there is a movement on to cut down trees to grow in the sun. There is no need for this as coffee grows well in the shade and equally important the trees are the winter home for millions of songbirds, the same birds that grace northern landscapes in Spring and Summer. Cut down the trees; kill the birds. This is just wrong and unnecessary. There is already a working system, in place, and if people take the time to educate themselves, they'll realize that consumer pressure can make a difference.

There are many alternatives. Fair Tradecoffee enables the consumer to buy a quality product and be certain that their purchasing dollars goes to the producers of the coffee, rather than some middle-merchant. It also means that the coffee is organic or at least earth-friendly, i.e. pesticide free. We live in a consumer-driven economy. This makes it possible for consumers to shop with a conscience. You can, even make a political statement in your choice of tea.

Lets face it we can make a difference on a personal level, all it takes is a little education and the will to act.

So the next time you are out for a coffee with a friend ask the server if the coffee is sun grown or shade grown. If it's sun grown ask for a cup of organic tea instead and tell the server why. Or when you are buying coffee at you favourite coffee retailer ask them the same question, if it is sum grown, refuse it and ask them to order in organic shade grown coffee or fair trade coffee. If they refuse, shop elsewhere. You can make a difference do so.