What Is Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee?
The Rainforest Alliance is a non-profit organization (much like the well-known Fair Trade organization), that works with coffee farmers and other agricultural producers to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainability.
The Rainforest Alliance works directly with farmers to teach and encourage good land-use practices. Specifically, the Alliance requires the maintenance or restoration of a certain percentage of natural forest cover, and no impact on natural bodies and flows of water. Certain destructive activities are prohibited. Rainforest Alliance also promotes training, safe working conditions, sanitation and health for farm workers.
Farms and businesses that meet the Alliance’s environmental and social standards (and pass inspection) are then eligible to label themselves “Rainforest Alliance Certified.” Seeing that seal assures consumers that the product they are purchasing has been harvested using sustainable and responsible practices.
Mars Drinks has made a strong commitment to sustainability in general and the Rainforest Alliance in particular. Currently, 3 Bright Teas and 9 Alterra Coffees carry the seal, including Barista’s Blend (code ALTBB), a dark and intense blend of coffees exclusively from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
Many Timothy’s K-Cups also carry Rainforest Alliance certification, as do Caribou Blend K-Cups (code KCARIB) and Liption Green Tea bags (code T3G).
