Sustainability:
In late spring Arabica Roasters celebrated Earth Day together with some of our friends. We were invited by GungHo Pizza, http://www.gunghopizza.com/, and were joined by organizations like Patagonia and
Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals - environmental health, economic profitability, and social economic equity. Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance.
- Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of laborers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety both in the present and in the future.
- Stewardship of land natureal resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base for the long term.
In the coffee industry sustainability is usually related directly to organic growing practices and to purchasing green coffee at "fair" prices.
Some interesting local organizations which help with sustainable concepts:
- Water Conservation: Thirst for Water - www.ThirstForWater.org
- Children's education on environmental issues: Roots & Shoots - http://www.jgichina.org/cn/rootsandshoots/index.aspx?PartNodeId=21