Sustainably Minded. Coffee Driven.
April 19th, 2020
Here at Don Francisco’s Coffee, we are dedicated to a number of sustainable coffee practices, from supporting small holder coffee farmers and their harvest in Colombia, to farmer assistance projects in Guatemala, sourcing coffee from partners who share our vision of a greener coffee footprint, and operating a zero-waste-to-landfill facility where our coffees are roasted and packed all under the care of our family. And that’s only the beginning.
We’re also glad to support over 300 local and global charities in an effort to create a more promising future for us, you, and generations to come.
Here’s our promise: while we’re passionate about creating a great tasting cup of coffee, we’re equally as committed to reducing our footprint throughout the process using sustainable practices.
Sustainable Practices at Don Francisco's Coffee
We take pride in our commitment to sustainability -- from connecting with partners who share our vision of creating a greener coffee footprint to engaging in various initiatives that support local coffee farmers.
Take a look at our sustainability practices in action:
In 2003, through our Direct Impact® Initiative, we launched our international outreach program to improve the livelihood of small coffee farmers and their overall quality of life.
In 2013-2014, we launched a program helping about 100 smallholder coffee farmers in Guatemala to promote sustainable farming, technical assistance and educational resources as this region suffered crop losses from roya infestation, or Coffee Leaf Rust.
Several years ago, we partnered with de los Andes Cooperative and began building the La Chaparrala Wet Mill in Andes, Colombia. Our main goal with this project is to increase cash flow, improve quality of life for the coffee farmers, and protect the environment. Directly benefiting 600 coffee farmers in the area, the wet mill is helping farmers shorten their workload, allowing them to spend more time with their families and focus on other skills in coffee, as well as drink cleaner water and breath cleaner air.
Don Francisco's Coffee also sources certified coffee from:
- Fair Trade USA
- USDA Organic
- Rainforest Alliance
Don Francisco’s Coffee + TerraCycle Recycling Program
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re teaming up once again with TerraCycle to expand efforts and include our coffee bags in the recycling program! By including coffee bags alongside pods and espresso capsules, we’re taking the next step in reducing waste in our local landfills.
The TerraCycle program provides a simple, 4-step process for recycling coffee pods and bags and rewards participants with points that can be redeemed as donations to various charitable organizations.
We know the work to create a more sustainable way of life is never finished. By working together we can all do our part to keep our planet thriving for future generations.
TerraCycle is free to join -- learn more:
Recycling Program.
We know the work to create a more sustainable way of life is never finished. By working together we can all do our part to keep our planet thriving for future generations.
Tips for Living Sustainably
As we approach Earth Day this year, it’s the perfect time to evaluate our daily routines. Protecting the environment and natural resources is something everyone can do to create a thriving world for future generations.
But how do we live a more sustainable life, even in our own small ways?
It’s good to look at some routines we do at home and see where improvements can be made. Ask questions, like:
- Am I engaging in available recycling programs, such as TerraCycle?
- Are we doing enough to reduce waste in and outside of the home? Maybe consider used coffee grounds as compost? Am I repurposing or reusing my coffee cans?
- Am I choosing eco-friendly or sustainable materials when possible?
These are all great places to start!
From your daily coffee routine to learning more about how sustainable practices benefit the world around us, Earth Day is an important moment for us to stop and reflect on how we’re all working together to make our global home a better place.