It doesn’t sound great for coffee, does it?
Well, it’s certainly not all doom and gloom and there are lots of things you can do to make your daily coffee sustainable.
Buying shade-grown beans is a great start – it’s better for the planet.
You can also look at the manufacturing processes as many ‘good manufacturers’ will be transparent about their production.
Another thing to look out for is a third-party certification.
For example, the Fairtrade foundation prioritises ethical trade and labour standards.
The Rainforest Alliance certifies farms that are practising responsible farming.
There is also packaging to consider.
Try and avoid plastic packaging and look for recyclable materials – this should all be on the labelling.
At home, using a machine is a lower-energy way to make a coffee as long as you don’t leave it on standby.
Finally, when you buy a coffee from a coffee shop, take a reusable cup with you and get that filled.