Blog About Community & Coffee » Fair Trade & Organic

How Fair Trade & Organics Can Change the World

Jennifer Brogee — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:28:45 +0000

The Fair Trade and Organic movements change the world by allowing consumers to make purchases based that ensure a positive social impact. When you purchase fair trade and/or organic products, you are encouraging more and more farmers and industries to adopt fair and environmentally safe practices, because you are rewarding good stewardship. On the other hand, when you purchase items based solely on price, there’s the possibility that you are rewarding sub-par employers or environmental neglect. Of course, that’s not always the case, but the Fair Trade and Organic labels allow you to know for sure what kind of business practices you reward with your dollars, when you can’t get to know the companies personally.

What is Fair Trade Coffee?

Fair Trade coffees are grown and processed by cooperatives run by small, family farmers which earn a guaranteed price for their beans. They in turn must meet the criteria of fair labor conditions for all people working on the farm – freedom of association for farmers and workers, democratic decison making processes, and follow the environmental standards that restrict the use of agri-chemicals and foster sustainability. This is an effort to improve the lives of the workers and that of their families, and the country the coffee is grown in.

What Does the USDA Organic Label Mean?

The USDA Organic label is regulated by the USDA, and requires proof that the product is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals. The producer must also show a plan that addresses issues of bio-diversity, water-shed management, and the creation of buffer zones to prevent any cross-contamination in growing or processing of the coffee. No chemicals or synthetic pesticides are used at the coffee plantations.

At The Meeting Place on Market, we do our part by offering our customers fair trade and organic coffees:

Fair Trade/ Organic Ethiopian

Grown in the Yirgacheffe region which balances flavor, acidity, and body. A smooth, well-balanced coffee.

Fair Trade/ Organic Guatemalan

Has great aromatics, good acidity and an excellent flavor. A medium roast coffee perfect for a mellow evening. Quickly becoming a customer favorite!

Fair Trade/ Organic Ring of Fire Coffee

A dark, smokin’ blend of high mountain beans from the active volcanic soils of Indonesia, Timor and Papua-New Guinea. Eye-opening! Our customers love this coffee. Its flavor is distinct, yet not bitter. As if it had been refined through fire!

Fair Trade/ Organic Peruvian

Grown high in the Andes Mtns this coffee has a rich, mellow flavor that’s similar to the High Andes coffees.

10 Cheap and Easy Ways to Go Green

Jennifer Brogee — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:06:29 +0000

Sometimes it seems that to Go Green requires spending a lot of money or a lot of time. Below are some cheap and easy ways to go green – and they can make a big difference!

1. When your light bulbs go out, replace them with energy efficient light bulbs.

2. When you need new curtains, buy cellular shades or lined curtains, to reduce heat loss.

3. Start a simple recycling program at home by recycling plastic and cans.

4. Buy fair trade and organic coffee. (check out KaffeeScape’s website for some great varieties)

5. Shop for organic groceries and staples at the grocery store.

6. Take re-usable grocery bags to the grocery store.

7. Take your plastic coffee mug to your local coffee house to fill up, instead of using disposable. Ditto at work.

8. Shop at your local farmer’s market – you support your local economy, plus energy is saved because goods aren’t shipped across country, and no commercial packaging is required.

9. Visit local antique and thrift stores for furniture – not only is it fun to search for just the right piece, you’re saving yourself cash and the forest, lumber!

10. Grow an herb and vegetable garden in your backyard. Even a couple containers of herbs and tomatoes can produce enough to share!

5 Gourmet Gifts at a Price You’ll Love

Jennifer Brogee — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:31:52 +0000

We present 5 great gourmet gift ideas to make your holiday shopping quick & easy!

1. Coffee Break Gift Basket

1 – 1/2 lb. of our gourmet coffee (choice of flavors)
2 – Be Bop Biscotti
Beautifully arranged in a clear gift box with raffia
Great gift for teachers, neighbors, friends, and more…

Normally $12.95, SALE $10.36

2. Gourmet Coffee Beans

We have a variety of coffees – flavored, Fair Trade/ Organic, origin, decaf and more! We’re happy to grind the coffee for you. Check out our selection – for each pound you purchase, receive a free Meeting Place reusable jute bag! The perfect hospitality gift.

$6.45 for 1/2 lb and $10.95 for full lb. and FREE BAG

3. Meeting Place Gift Cards

Buy $50 in Meeting Place gift cards (any quantity/ amount), and get a free $10 gift card!

4. Coffee Sampler Gift Basket

A tasteful assortment of gourmet coffee, tea, biscotti, flavored syrup and hot cocoa, in a festive Christmas jute bag. Perfect for gift giving!

Normally $34.95, SALE $27.96

5. Tea Break Gift Basket

We don’t want torget the tea lover’s out there! Our Tea Break Gift Basket comes in two versions – one with an adorable tea pot and variety of tea, or a version with our clear pedestal mugs and variety of tea.

Normally $29.95, SALE $23.96

Order Coffee Online

Coffee Tasting Notes

Jennifer Brogee — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:50:34 +0000

It’s so exciting to read the comments of our customers – and this time around, they’ve given us kudos and a great idea that we hope to implement soon.

Cherry Vanilla Coffee
“Not bitter, very smooth. Nice cherry & vanilla taste! Does not need any cream or sugar. Very good black.” – Anonymous Customer

Check out our Flavored Coffees online! – Jennifer

Moka Sumatra & Northern Pacific
“I know this isn’t what you asked for, but I wanted to say that I really applaud the choice to supplpy fair trade and organic coffees! These are easily my favorite taste-wise, on top of being a bit easier on the conscience. Thank you!” – Anonymous Customer

We have a great supply of Fair Trade Organic coffees and gifts available to order online here. You can also read about the Fair Trade/ Organic movement. – Jennifer

Cappuccino
“Very smooth. Love it! Suggestion: could use some chocolate powder on table with cinnamon.” – Anonymous Customer

We hope to get that cocoa on the table soon!! If it’s not there though – please ask for it, we have it behind the counter. – Jennifer

Coffee Tasting Notes From Our Customers

Jennifer Brogee — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:16:04 +0000

Below are the latest coffee tasting comments from our customers… come on down, try our coffee, and write down your own coffee tasting comments! There are forms right next to the airports… or leave a comment on this blog.

Maple Pecan Decaf

“Excellent – get it every time – keep it!

Dark Chocolate Decadence

“A little ‘decadence’ is good for you! And, there is nothing better than chocolate! (said the choc-holic).”

Fair Trade Organic Bird Watchers

“Yum! Tastes so good! Yeah! And it feels so good, smooth it is, yesiree, love it muchly! It’s so good!”

Fair Trade Organic Ring o’ Fire

“Just this side of smooth, yet punchy… alright – what coffee should be!”

Fair Trade Shopping

Jennifer Brogee — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:01:27 +0000

I’d like to talk a little bit about the fair trade movement. Some of you are probably already familiar with the concept of fair trade, but if you’re not, here’s a quick overview:
Fair trade strives to provide farming families across Africa, Asia and Latin America with:
-Fair price
-Fair labor conditions
-Direct trade
-Democratic and transparent organizations
-Community development
-Environmental sustainability

For more detailed information, please follow the link to find out more.
One of the most popular products to buy fair trade is coffee, and other imports include tea, sugar, cotton, and vanilla. The Meeting Place on Market is currently offering Birdwatcher’s Blend and Ring of Fire coffees, both of which are Fair Trade Certified.
Look for a Fair Trade Certified label, and you can know that the product you’re purchasing is helping someone across the globe earn an honest and fair living.
One local shop which sells fair trade handicrafts is Ten Thousand Villages in downtown Bluffton. So if you’re looking for a unique gift, check them out!