Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible God and destroys a visible Nature. Unaware that this Nature he’s destroying is this God he’s worshiping
― Hubert Reeves
SOURCING FROM A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Helps sustain rainforests.
Coffee plantations which are chemically dependent suffer from soil depletion and increased erosion. Rainforest is stripped to provide fresh growing ground. Shade coffee farms are, for the most part, organic and sustainable.
Promotes healthy environment.
Shade grown coffee requires NO chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. The shade trees filter carbon dioxide which causes global warming, and aid in soil moisture retention which minimizes erosion.
Provides bird habitat and greater biodiversity.
Migrating bird populations have been in rapid decline since the introduction of “sun” coffee and the consequent destruction of rainforests for more coffee plantations. As many as 150 species of birds have been identified on shade coffee farms.
Healthier.
Next to tobacco, coffee is sprayed with more chemicals than any other product consumed by humans. Shade grown coffee is most often organically grown, free of chemical use.
Taste.
As the coffee beans mature more slowly in the shade, natural sugars increase and enhance the flavor of the coffee.