Earlier this week, we posted an infographic containing the seventeen different facets the
International Coffee Organization works with when evaluating sustainability in the coffee
sector.
Sustainability, as I experienced the word upon entering the coffee world was one that
was fraught with environmental impacts and political ideation. These were the only
themes I knew to attach to the idea of sustainability. It was beginning to work on a
research project with the Specialty Coffee Association that taught how extremely deep
and wide the idea of sustainability is. It has only been recently that I have begun to
realize just how interdependent consuming and producing countries are and how much
the valuation of each factor of sustainability actually impacts and informs our daily lives.
While environmental impacts are certainly important and the policies that are formed
around environmental impact are important to discuss and formulate, there is so very
much more to the idea!!!
The most robust definition of sustainability I have found was issued by the UCLA
Sustainability Committee. Their definition is as follows: “The integration of
environmental health, social equity and economic vitality in order to create thriving,
healthy, diverse and resilient communities for this generation and generations to come.”
When I read this definition, it brings me to the idea that there is hope to re-evaluate
failing systems and build, as a local, national, and global community in collaboration,
systems and processes which provide dignity and honor of all.
In the next post, we will look at the first block of sustainability...the reduction of poverty
and how improvements along the value chain can assist small holder farmers in
achieving a sustainable living wage for their families.
I will offer one facet of value chain improvements...buying directly from the farmer. Our
Colombian offerings are directly from farmers, so when you purchase this offering, you
become a very important actor in the goal of poverty reduction for farmers. Thank you
for helping farmers and for coming alongside us in reaching our goal to support growth
in global coffee farming communities.
Keep your eyes open for our upcoming offers that are farm direct!
Ronda
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