The High Cost of Cheap Coffee

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As prices for everything continue to rise, Camano Island Coffee Roasters maintains their commitment to purchasing only the best coffee at a fairly traded price.  That means a slight increase in the price we coffee drinkers pay for our deliveries. The small increase ensures that we are still drinking the best coffee, farmers are still receiving a fair wage, and the non-profit organizations you have chosen still receive sustainable support.

Instead of just asking ourselves “Where can I get the cheapest coffee?” let’s ask “How can I do the most good with the money that I spend?”.

Answers from Jeff Ericson (owner Camano Island Coffee Roasters):

With the rising cost of food, gas, and coffee, it is becoming more difficult to remain positive about our everyday purchases. Now more than ever, consumers are turning to sustainable options and looking for the best quality items for the lowest prices. Many consumers still want to do their part to make a difference in the world, even though funds are limited. Instead of writing a separate check to charity, we can make a difference through our everyday purchases, especially when it comes to coffee.

Although it seems like no end is in sight for the rising cost of goods, we can be thankful for the opportunities we have to make a difference with our purchases. When deciding which coffee to drink, sometimes it seems easier to choose the cheapest brand. This can have a negative impact on the economy, the environment, and families around the world.

Here are several reasons why you should think twice before grabbing the cheapest coffee on the shelf.

 

First, most inexpensive coffee brands are made up of lower quality coffee beans, which allow for the lower price. These beans, commonly known as Robusta coffee, are not shade-grown, and therefore do not promote preservation of the rainforest. Camano Island Coffee Roasters shade-grown Arabica beans provide a rich, deep flavor and create a more enjoyable cup of coffee while helping to preserve forest land.

Second, lesser coffee brands are not certified organic and therefore do not require their coffee to be grown in chemical-free soil. Camano Island Coffee Roasters requires that all coffee crops remain organic, and if chemicals have previously been used in the soil the coffee farm must go through a 7-15 year cleansing period to remove all harmful materials.

Third, coffee that is sealed and sold on the grocery store shelf is typically not fresh. Coffee is a highly perishable item and should be brewed within a few weeks of roasting. Camano Island Coffee Roasters labels all bags with a roast date and provides only fresh roasted coffee.

Fourth, coffee that is sold at such a low price is not fairly traded. When you purchase coffee, you can make a difference by choosing beans that have been sold at a fair price. Many coffee companies take advantage of the cheapest coffee crop on the market and pay very little for it. Camano Island Coffee Roasters works directly with the farmers in Central and South America to ensure fair prices are paid for coffee. When farmers receive a fair price for their crops, they can save enough to own land and eventually break out of the cycle of poverty.

When you purchase Camano Island Coffee you are taking the first step toward sustainability. You are paying a fair price for your coffee, helping farmers own land, and receiving the highest quality coffee on the market. When you join the Coffee Lover’s Club, you can experience the convenience of having three pounds of your favorite coffee shipped right to your door.