As a seasoned barista, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dance of crafting the perfect cup of coffee. But over the years, my passion has evolved beyond just the art of pouring lattes – it’s now deeply rooted in the pursuit of sustainability within the coffee industry.
Let me take you on a journey through the world of Side Track Coffee, a cozy coffeehouse nestled in the heart of Opelika, Alabama, where I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a team of like-minded individuals who are committed to brewing a more sustainable future.
Cultivating a Greener Cup
When customers step through the doors of Side Track Coffee, they’re not just greeted by the aroma of freshly roasted beans – they’re also immersed in an environment that prioritizes environmental responsibility.
One of the first things you’ll notice is our use of compostable materials for our cups, lids, and utensils. It’s a small but impactful step in reducing our carbon footprint and keeping waste out of landfills. But our commitment to sustainability goes far beyond the basics.
We source our coffee beans from a variety of local roasters, each with their own unique approach to sustainability. Some, like Mama Mochas Coffee Roastery, have embraced solar power to roast their beans, while others, like Non-Fiction Coffee, prioritize fair trade partnerships with farmers in South America and Asia.
By supporting these local, eco-conscious roasters, we’re not only providing our customers with exceptional coffee, but we’re also playing a role in fostering a more sustainable coffee economy. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Sustainable Sourcing and Relationships
But our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at the café doors. We’ve also forged strong relationships with coffee growers who share our values, like the Brodbeck family in Guatemala.
The Brodbecks, who produce coffee for One Bike Coffee, have taken the Sustainable Coffee Challenge to heart. Their farm is shade-grown, which means they’ve preserved the forest canopy to protect the delicate ecosystem. They also provide safe water access to their community and pay their workers a living wage, ensuring their sustainability efforts extend beyond just the product.
By supporting these kinds of ethical and environmentally conscious coffee producers, we’re not only ensuring the quality of our coffee but also contributing to the long-term health of the coffee industry as a whole.
Embracing the Power of Education
At Side Track Coffee, we believe that education is the key to driving real change within the coffee industry. That’s why we actively engage our customers in conversations about the importance of sustainable practices.
Much like the team at Forest Espresso, we see education as a way to empower coffee lovers and foster a more conscientious coffee culture. Whether it’s sharing information about the farmer cooperative that grew our latest seasonal offering or explaining the benefits of choosing organic, pesticide-free beans, we’re committed to raising awareness and inspiring our customers to make more informed choices.
After all, as Sandra Taylor of the Sustainable Business International organization points out, customers can play a significant role in supporting the Coffee Sustainability Challenge. By simply asking for ethically sourced, organic coffee, they can help drive a movement towards a more sustainable future for the industry.
Cultivating Community and Collaboration
But our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just the coffee itself. We also strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community at Side Track Coffee, where people can come together over their shared love of the beverage.
Owner David Bazilia has made a conscious effort to keep the doors of Side Track Coffee propped open, rain or shine, to invite the local community in. And by prioritizing hiring from within the community, he’s not only fostering a sense of belonging but also supporting the local economy.
Moreover, Side Track Coffee is part of a broader network of sustainable-minded coffeehouses in the area, like Mama Mochas and One Bike Coffee. By collaborating and sharing best practices, we’re able to amplify our collective impact and drive meaningful change within the industry.
Navigating the Challenges of a Changing Climate
Of course, the journey towards a more sustainable coffee industry is not without its challenges. As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted, global warming is expected to reduce global coffee yields and halve the amount of coffee-suitable land by 2050.
This sobering reality has led researchers like Aaron Davis and Catherine Kiwuka to explore alternative coffee varieties, such as the hardy Liberica, that can better withstand the effects of climate change. And organizations like the Sustainable Coffee Challenge are working tirelessly to develop new techniques and strategies to help coffee growers adapt to these environmental shifts.
At Side Track Coffee, we’re closely following these developments and actively supporting initiatives that aim to secure the long-term future of the coffee industry. After all, as Beau Brodbeck of the Brodbeck family farm in Guatemala so eloquently puts it, “Undercutting labor and the preservation of the environment is never the answer.”
Embracing the Future, One Sip at a Time
As I reflect on my journey as a barista, I’m struck by the profound realization that the coffee I pour is so much more than just a delightful beverage – it’s a symbol of our collective commitment to a more sustainable future.
At Side Track Coffee, we’re not just brewing coffee – we’re brewing a movement. By embracing eco-friendly practices, forging meaningful relationships with our suppliers, and educating our customers, we’re playing a small but vital role in shaping the future of the coffee industry.
So the next time you take a sip of your favorite brew, I hope you’ll pause and consider the stories and the passion that went into its creation. Because in the end, the true measure of a great cup of coffee lies not just in its flavor, but in its power to connect us to a more sustainable and equitable world.
