Organic coffee has gained in popularity for its health benefits, rich flavor and lower environmental impact; however, its many sustainable certifications may cause consumer fatigue.

Organic coffee beans differ from conventionally produced ones in that they are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that pollute water supplies and soil erosion while simultaneously decreasing pollution, soil loss and habitat loss for wildlife. These chemical-free methods help minimize water pollution, soil erosion and loss of wildlife habitat.

Fair Trade

Equal Exchange coffee brings not only delicious taste and aroma but also supports family farms in coffee capitals around the globe, empowering their workers and farmers. As this worker-owned and -operated co-op emphasizes ethics, making Equal Exchange an excellent choice among people who care for the planet and its inhabitants.

Rise Up was founded by a Peace Corp volunteer and boasts an enthusiastic team with an appreciation of quality coffee brews roasted from certified organic and Fair Trade beans – with five percent of profits going back into youth-centric causes like homelessness prevention or workforce development initiatives.

Larry’s of Raleigh has all of the charming homegrown charm you would expect from an independent company in North Carolina; yet its green credentials go well beyond organic and Fair Trade certifications – with solar energy, water conservation initiatives, community organizations and non-profits included as beneficiaries in their charitable giving mission.

Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance is a non-profit organization with the mission of protecting rainforest ecosystems for future generations. Their certification process relies on adhering to the Sustainable Agriculture Standard which sets environmental, social and economic criteria that farms should follow such as habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees. SCS provides auditing and certification services necessary for businesses pursuing Rainforest Alliance or UTZ certification for products they produce or sell.