We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 25 . 02 . 22 .

Good morning folks!

This week's newsletter is all about that wonderful beverage that runners (or any athlete) like to consume - coffee!

There are so many studies and research articles that look into the relationship between caffeine and performance, and make recommendations as to the best time to consume caffeine. However, here at FWP, we're not really interested in the performance benefits. We're all about the social and community connection that coffee brings into trail running.

With cafe's frequently being the meeting point for a run, event titles that resemble "social run (and mandatory post-run coffee)" and even the run commute to meet a friend for coffee, we've decided to zoom into coffee a little more.

Specifically, we're taking a closer look at the sustainability aspect of coffee. There is an increasing trend towards sustainable coffee and packaging, with consumers paying more attention to where their products are coming from. With so much ambiguity and varying criteria about what makes something 'sustainable', we break down "sustainability" into what it really means in the coffee world, so you can make informed decisions.

Finally, we will provide recommendations of where you can learn more about this wonderful, and addictive, beverage.

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THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF COFFEE?

Just like any other industry, coffee has an environmental footprint. In fact, according to the Water Footprint Network estimates that 130 litres of water is required to produce 1 cup of coffee (125mL). That's 18900 litres of water for 1kg of roasted coffee. Gobsmacked? Yep, me too!

However, the environmental footprint of coffee doesn't just stop at water. It's estimated that for every cup of coffee, about one square inch of rainforest is destroyed. This has compounding effects on the local environment due to chemical runoffs, soil/landscape erosion and loss of biodiversity.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE COFFEE?

As a high level overview, sustainable coffee looks at the entire supply chain - from better crop management, best practice of water use, the elimination of pesticides in harvesting, to composting ground coffee bean waste or using coffee hulls as fuel (instead of cutting down more trees). It also includes sustainable practices in packaging, such as recyclable packaging or encouraging consumers to use keep-cups in cafes.

Hillary enjoying what I'm sure is a much deserved (and needed) hot cup of coffee on the Mt Sugarloaf Summit, in the Cathedral Ranges State Park, Victoria.

In addition, in looking at intersectionality, coffee also has a social cost. The global trade of coffee has, in many cases, resulted in exploitative relationships between coffee consumers (developed countries) and coffee producers (developing countries). There remain coffee plantations that effectively enslave their workers through debt peonage. For little to no pay, these workers are exposed to toxic pesticides, no access to workplace health and safety initiatives, over-exposure to sun and no education regarding 'best practice' to protect their health and wellbeing.

I also recently read a book called "Strange Harvests", which looked at the history of seven unique commodities. Being a coffee lover myself, was very keen to read the chapter on civet coffee (not knowing what a civet was). I soon viewed this type of coffee with new and profound concern. The civet (a shy, cat-like animal) only selects the finest, ripest coffee cherries to eat (classic cat behaviour) and, since they can't digest the actual bean, these beans are harvested once excreted. The resultant coffee has an 'elusive musky smoothness' and attracts a very high price.

The civet, image source: The Guardian.

This has led to the exploitation of civets, which are often caged in conditions that fail to meet basic animal welfare requirements. However, given the exceptionally high price point (a cup can cost about $120), you won't find it on your average supermarket shelf.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON COFFEE

Yep, climate change shows it's big, ugly face in the coffee industry as well. 60% of wild coffee species are at risk of extinction due to climate change, deforestation and the inevitable risks posed by increased fungal pathogens and pests. In fact, coffea arabica, found in northeast tropical Africa and the world's most popular species of coffee plant, is now listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.

The coffea arabica plant. Image source.

Coffee is a very sensitive crop - too much rain causes mould, yet too little results in poor bean quality. Erratic temperatures are causing farmers to move their plantations further up steep mountainous plantations, which results in more deforestation. In addition, the warmer weather creates perfect temperatures for pests, which significantly compromises crop production.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR COFFEE PRACTICES MORE SUSTAINABLE

There’s nothing worse than getting bombarded with information about all the negative impacts of coffee, and not knowing what to do about it. Alas, we intend on leaving you feeling empowered. There are a few things that you can do to make your coffee practices a little more sustainable/ethical. This includes purchasing coffee that has some kind of certification, and supporting ocean friendly cafes.

COFFEE CERTIFICATION

Noting the increasing trend towards product transparency, a lot of coffee producers are engaging third-party certification. Here is a break down of what some of these most popular labels mean.

Rainforest Alliance Certified

This certification means that these beans were grown in a way that promotes the health of ecosystems. For example, farmers must promote habitats for biodiversity, encourage the growth of vegetation and manage coffee-production waste in an environmentally sustainable way.

Rainforest Alliance Certified does not prohibit the use of pesticides - only nasty pesticides - therefore is different to the organic certification.

Fair Trade

This certification focuses on improving worker rights. This is done by verifying that the people involved in coffee production are not only compensated fairly, but that the farms meet specific labor, environmental and production standards.

Australian Certified Organic

Whilst certified organic coffee means that no inorganic chemicals or pesticides can be used in the production of the coffee. Australian Certified Organic requires no chemicals to be used in the entire supply chain, including roasting and handling.

Bird Friendly/Shade-grown

This is perhaps the rarest mainstream coffee certification, and probably produces the highest quality (ethical) coffee. This certification requires farmers to foster the growth of many different trees on their plantation to provide amble living space for biodiversity, particularly birds.

Carbon Neutral

Carbon Neutral Certification is the hallmark of a rigorous sustainability strategy. Any carbon neutral product is from a business that is serious about climate climate. This certification requires businesses to demonstrate that there has been no increase in greenhouse gas emissions through to entire production process. Businesses must verify their carbon offsets.

SUPPORTING OCEAN FRIENDLY CAFES

The trend for environmentally-friendly practices has led some cafés to phase out plastic straws, use biodegradable* coffee cups and promote reusable cups for take-away coffees. An example of a great initiative is Surfrider Foundation Australia's Ocean Friendly Program. 'Ocean Friendly' is a national accreditation program that aims to reduce single use plastic at its source by promoting local cafes that adopt sustainable business practices (there are six mandatory criteria that cafes need to meet).

Post-run coffee goodness (and Goodr sunnies) in a beautifully decorated keep cup, purchased at Sydney's Finders Keepers market.

Here at FWP, we encourage all of our followers to support an Ocean Friendly cafe. If you're not sure where to find them, the Fair Food Forager application can certainly assist you.

*we are going to host a newsletter on biodegradability in the coming weeks. **Spoiler alert** - 'biodegradable' coffee cups are not, in fact, biodegradable. Keep-cups are the most environmentally friendly option. There are so many great options available, and local makers markets are filled with beautiful ceramics.

PODCAST RECOMMENDATION

"A very deep dive on coffee" - Blister Podcast

In this episode, host Jonathan Ellsworth talks to Sam Higby, founder of First Ascent Coffee about all things coffee - the difference between good and bad instant coffee (yep, apparently good instant coffee does exist), the science and art of coffee making, different brewing methods, brewing at altitude and great coffee on a budget.

RUN TO SAVE WILD PLACES: TAKAYNA TRAIL

The Bob Brown Foundation's takayna Trail event is being held this weekend. This is a perfect example of trail and ultra running with a purpose - the purpose being using running to protect the tarkine.

The event encourages runners to spent time in this wild and ancient landscape, and in doing so, spend locally on accommodation, meals and experiences. As a result, they go home ambassadors for this region.

No doubt, all runners (and family/friends and support crew) will have the most amazing time, traversing ancient rainforests, moss-covered single track, and lands that have a stunning beauty, all whilst passing centuries-old trees.

You can learn more about the event here, and even donate to the Bob Brown Foundation, so they can better protect this ancient wilderness.

And as always, thank you for taking the time for wild places.

Elanor & the For Wild Places team.

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We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging.

This newsletter was written on Gadigal lands of the Eora nation. To these people, we pay our respects.

Always was, always will be.

By For Wild Places

We're a group of adventurers who love to

protect wild places we run on