A Better World
Organic Coffee production
Because all of our organic coffees can be traced to the specific farms where they were grown the Pacific Agricultural Certification Society can ensure that our coffee is produced without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, or other potentially harmful chemicals. It is then verified that our roasting practices are carried out in a way that does not compromise the organic integrity of our beans. At this point we earned the right to stamp all our bags with the British Columbia Certified Organic Stamp. We can all feel good knowing no chemical substances are entering our bodies or our eco system.
Fair Trade
Fernwood Coffee Company is certified by TransFair Canada, which is the largest third party certifier of fairly traded products in the country. We truly believe in the TransFair system and have been 100% Fair Trade since our inception. In supporting the fair trade economy your purchase ensures that coffee farmers receive a fair price for their efforts. When coffee growing communities see positive change coffee farmers are empowered to support their families and communities by producing excellent coffee using sustainable methods. We all win! We support the Fair Trade movement as part of our commitment to a sustainable future. Economic justice goes hand-in-hand with social and environmental responsibility and is one of the ways that we express our corporate citizenship.
Environment
When establishing our roastery we wanted our products and actions to communicate the values and ideals that are embodied in our neighborhood of Fernwood. Taking a cue from the citizens, community associations, and business that surround us we continually strive to improve our practices in order to take responsibility not only for current actions but also for the future well-being of the whole planet.
It is our responsibility to recognize that every aspect of our business has impacts and that it is our duty to reduce them to the best of our abilities. As part of our vision to reduce harm, we commit to examining our behavior and attain our environmental goals.
Climate Friendly
For the past year we have been working with Offsetters to self-audit our greenhouse gas emissions and offset various components of our business operations. Because of our efforts we have been designated as a Climate Friendly company.
Our Environmental Goals
To limit the resource inputs and maintain or reduce our consumption as our company grows. These resources include but are not limited to gasoline, electricity, natural gas and water.
To measurably reduce by at least 10% production of on-site waste each year, including but not limited to office paper, organic waste, bags, and boxes.
In August 2007 we introduced a composting program to our café and also offer to pickup and compost all coffee grounds from our local wholesale accounts.
Our business cards and office paper are recycled and are accredited by the FSC. We are using bio degradable, environmentally friendly soap and sanitizer in refillable bottles.
To implement and maintain an efficient and effective on site recycling program. In August of 2007 we increased recycling services to our café and to the roastery.
To reduce the waste produced by consumers of our products. This would include but not be limited to bags, brochures and catalogs. In February 2008 we started our bag refill program. Customers can bring used bags into the roastery and have them refilled at a discount.
To measurably increase by at least 10% procurement of responsible energy and use of sustainable products each year.
To measurably mitigate the impacts of the production of green house gasses created in the processing, delivery, and consumption of our coffee.
Links of Interest
Offsetters Climate Neutral Society
British Columbia Certified Organic Stamp
TransFair Canada
