3: The Future of Processed Foods

For many, a morning cup of coffeeis an essential ritual.

Plus, its delicious.

But how sustainable is the coffee industryand how can you make your cup of joe more planet-friendly?

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How sustainable is the coffee industry, really?

As with most universally-loved consumer habits, coffee production isnt the most environmentally friendly of practices.

At present, the coffee industry isnt very sustainable, says Craig Lamberty, owner ofConscious Coffees.

Photography of a apple juice in glasses and apples in a wicker basket on wooden table

The coffee industry is unfortunately full of marketing jargon and half-baked claims, says food scientistMakenzie Jackson, MS.

There are a lot of different logos and claims that are just marketing, she says.

So how do you determine which coffee beans are best for us and the environment?

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Here, four things to look for when making a purchasestraight from the experts.

Fair Trade certification

As mentioned above, sustainability extends to human welfare.

Again, the actual certification is key.

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This practice is known asagroforestry, or creating a more ecologically sound climate by mixing woody plants with agriculture.

(The shade minimizes the need for pesticides, too.)

Traceability

I like to know the journey my beans take from the plant to my cup, says Jackson.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

The clearest sign that a brandisntsustainable is lack of transparency, says Lamberty.

What region do the beans come from?

How are they grown?

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

The less information given, the more you should be wary of the product.

Basically, check that that your bean brand is being upfront about, well, everything.

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Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.