Concerned about the state of our environment and want a simple, affordable way to make a difference? Is your morning caffeine fix made with organic coffee? Organic coffee is grown with little as impact on the environment as possible.
The farmers do this by using the most environmentally safe methods and materials available.
A key factor is that they are not grown with artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
To be certified in the United States, it must pass three tests.
It has to be grown on a land that hasn't had any synthetic pesticides or other harmful substances for at least three years.
There has to be a space between the organic crops that separates them from any regular crops.
The farmers have to have plans to control pests naturally, as well as rotate the crops to prevent erosion and overuse of the natural nutrients in the ground.
Organic coffee is often grown in the shade, which requires less forests to be cut down.
The result is that the natural habitat is preserved, which is always a good thing, but the benefits don't stop there.
The trees prevent soil erosion and their leaves provide natural fertilizer when they fall to the ground around the coffee plants.
Along with the trees, comes birds.
Their droppings provide fertilizer, but they also control pests like insects from damaging the coffee plants.
It's grown in over forty countries, but mainly imported from Peru, Ethiopia and Mexico.
So the next time that you're at the grocery store or your favorite coffee shop, look for a coffee with the organic label.
Not only are they great tasting, but you'll be doing your part to help our environment.