Daily News Archive

In Search of Organic Coffee
(from August 29, 2002)

Millions of us couldn't imagine starting our day without a cup of coffee. Yet, we hate for our addiction to lead to the poisoning of farmworkers and the environment, deforestation and poor working conditions. As part of a fair trade campaign, which targets coffee giant Starbucks, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is asking people to submit their favorite "Fair Trade Coffee Shop" to be part of the OCA Fair Trade Directory.

OCA is currently building up a "preferred list" of non-Starbucks coffee shops in the United States. They are requesting contact information for local coffee shops that are doing the "right thing." OCA is looking for neighborhood coffee shops that: brew organic or Fair Trade organic coffee on a regular basis; offer rBGH-free, organic or soy milk; use organic ingredients in their food items; offer Fair Trade chocolate; and pledge to serve baked goods and other food items without GE ingredients. OCA would like to promote those cafes that offer socially responsible, organic and GE-free items.

For more information, visit the OCA website. Here you can download a fact sheet and survey to take to your local café, or Sign a coffee shop up by using our online form. Email [email protected] or call 651-793-7919 for more info.