After water, coffee is the most popular drink in the world. I have to be honest – I’m not a regular coffee drinker. I’m more of a tea fan myself, although I do love a good espresso smoothie made with a good dark roast. But Adam aka HEN Papa, loves coffee. Especially after having children, it’s become a go-to beverage for him most mornings. The only caveat? He will only drink organic coffee, with his absolute favourite being Kicking Horse Coffee. Why organic? What many people might not realize is that regular coffee contains a ton of pesticides. And we are all aware of the many dangers of pesticides. Fortunately, there are some wonderful good eco-friendly coffee options.
Eco-friendly Coffee with Kicking Horse
What’s the harm in non-organic coffee?
Conventional coffee growers clear-cut rain-forests throughout South America, Africa and southeast Asia to create full-sun plantations. This is done because nutrients aren’t stored in the soil in tropical regions since they are used immediately by the wide diversity of plants. But once the trees have been cut, the coffee plants, sapped of nutrients, require a great amount of chemical fertilizers to feed them. Pesticides are used to keep away predators. What’s worse, the ground water supply dries up because there is no longer any canopy shade. Deforestation also has drastic consequences for migratory bird populations who come over to spend the winter in South America.
So why is organic better?
Most organic coffee growers ensure their plants are grown in the shade of the rain forest. Growing coffee in the shade means growing coffee under a light canopy of varied vegetation at high altitude, and this creates a superior coffee cherry (bean) and a more resilient ecosystem, requiring no pesticides. Organic coffee farmers also use renewable resources and conserve soil and water to help sustain the environment. By not using pesticides or herbicides, they are creating an ecosystem that’s healthy for wildlife and birds as well as humans.
And what about Fair Trade?
Fair Trade certification is also an import element in the coffee business. It means that organizations are constantly monitoring, auditing and certifying products and companies to ensure all working standards are fair and that workers are compensated and looked after. Fair Trade also benefits the farmers by guaranteeing them a fair price for their coffee. This in turn provides them with economic stability and a higher standard of living. It increases their health care and expands educational opportunities.
Kicking Horse Coffee
We’ve been fans of Kicking Horse Coffee for many years now and Adam will pretty much drink nothing else. Kicking Horse recently sent us a big can of their Kick Ass dark roast beans to try and Adam was pretty pumped. As soon as you open the can, you get hit with that amazing aroma of fresh beans. Since we use a percolator, we normally just use beans and grind them up fresh right before use. We were also sent a bag of the Kick Ass ground coffee, which is great for travelling. We are huge Kicking Horse Coffee fans and I was really excited to learn they now make organic and Fair Trade teas too. I’m a huge tea lover so I can’t wait to check out all their offerings.
Kicking Horse Coffee is now the largest Fair Trade roaster in Canada. Not only are all of their coffee and tea products certified Fair Trade, they are also 100% organic AND roasted in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada. I’ve read that organic coffee has a much richer and fuller flavour than conventional, and we’ve definitely found that to be true for Kicking Horse. I also feel good supporting a company that takes such big steps in the right direction and is constantly striving to be sustainable and give back to the planet and people.
The next time you reach for that cup of joe, try to keep in mind the benefits of organic and fair trade.
If you’re hoping to pick up some Kicking Horse coffee, it is available at retailers throughout Canada and the U.S and also on their online store, as well as on Amazon. If you want to keep up to date with them, you can sign up for their newsletter.
Giveaway
I’m giving away a prize to one coffee-loving reader! Enter below to win a big can of Kick Ass dark coffee roast (the favourite in our home) as well as a gift bag.
I’m a huge fan of French press!
Aren’t they awesome?:)
Stove top espresso maker – dark roast with a touch of milk.
With butter and a splash of pure michigan maple syrup!
Oh wow that’s so interesting, I love it!
Coffee anyway is my favorite!
I just like a dark roast coffee with creamer and sugar
I like my coffee strong with 2% milk. I love anything coffee, I’m getting ready to make coffee ice cream – you steep ground coffee in hot cream for the coffee flavor (not pre-made coffee).
Manual drip. I love this brand – we love our coffee bold.
I take mine with a pinch of sugar and cream 🙂
My favourite way to drink coffee is upside down…!
I like my drip coffee with just a bit of whole milk.
I take mine as a cappuccino with nesquik, I haven’t been able to do coffee without sweetener but I’ll get there!
I like my coffee black.
I love my coffee with milk.
I use my keurig and International Delight French Vanilla
My favourite way is double cream and I make the coffee strong!
I love mine black and strong so I can receive the true, full flavour.
I use a Bodem and I like my coffee with honey and cream..and STRONG!
We love our Bodem too!
Dark roast, extra strong coffee (made in a drip coffee maker) with a splash of milk is my favourite cup of coffee.
favourite way to drink coffee: with friends. thanks
If it’s good coffee, black so that I can enjoy the flavors. Otherwise, maybe a little milk. I like to brew it with a dash of cinnamon, too, in the grounds, that’s how my dad did it.
forma french press with a little cream
I like my coffee chilled on ice with cream and sugar
I just put almond milk in my coffee
I drink my coffee black. I really like a dark roast with a French press. I am also enjoying cold brewed coffee this summer.
Oh yum, cold coffee sounds good today
I love iced coffee with cream and sugar.
my coffee has to be half coffee and half hot chocolate
Love a dark roast with a little cream.
Yay, black coffee pls. Divine. Wow, prize can of coffee is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. 🙂 Pick me, pick me!
Iced with creamer in the summer months!
My favorite way to drink coffee is the natural way. Black! That is the best way to savor a nice cup of coffee.
I like coffee in a Frappuccino! 🙂
I love French pressed with a bit of organic cream.
When I drink coffee, I like it with cream and sugar.
I like my coffee hot, with a bit of hazelnut creamer!
Black, no sugar.
I like my coffee hot and fresh with 1% milk and sweet and low!
French pressand then with just a splash of cream
I drink coffee black at room temperature.
My husband likes it with creamer
two teaspoons of brown sugar and a bit of cream.
I like my coffee in large, copious amounts!
Dark Roast with a splash of almond milk
My favorite is an Americano with extra espresso shot, milk and sugar. Thanks!
I love a dark roast coffee fresh out of a french press and with a generous bit of cream
i love dark roast with CREAMMMM!
The first cup in the morning is the best. Freshly ground, dark roast!
I love drinking black coffee from the drip maker or French press!
I love coffee with caramel macchiato creamer mmmmmm
My favourite way to drink my morning coffee is with a teaspoon of honey and a good swig of hemp milk. I have such a sweet tooth in the morning!
I like my coffee with a bit of milk and sweetener.
My favourite way to have coffee is by preparing it with a french press and drinking it with a bit of soy milk.
I like my coffee black!
my fave is with sweet cream
Iced! And vanilla flavored! Preferably at the beach!!
With some sugar and 2 milks
I like it plain and cool.