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Let me ask you something: do you know what goes into your cup of coffee? Do you know the impact that your coffee has on people and planet?
You may be surprised to learn that coffee is one of the top six drivers of deforestation worldwide. And that the industry ranks fourth among all industries associated with child labor according to International Labor Organization.
As a passionate coffee drinker, I was shocked to learn of the severe and systemic human rights abuses and environmental degradation in the coffee industry. But I was delighted to hear about Coffee Watch, a watchdog organization dedicated to reforming the industry to ensure we drink responsibly.
We speak with its founder Etelle Higonnet – next.
Welcome to In the Business of Change, where we speak with social entrepreneurs and changemakers impacting their communities and the world. I’m your host Elisa Birnbaum publisher and editor in chief of SEE Change Magazine.
On today’s episode we speak with Etelle Higonnet attorney, environmental activist and the founder and director of Coffee Watch. In our conversation Etelle shares examples of the coffee industry’s negative impact on people and the environment. We explore how those impacts are global and pervasive, with violators including reputable coffee companies as well as certification schemes. Etelle then shares what coffee consumers can do to make their cup of Joe a more responsible purchase – and the actions we can all take to change the industry for the better.
Listen. Learn. Enjoy. Share.