A Sense of Sustainability
A Sense of
Going green has made good business sense for these three retail coffee operations.
BY LISA WHITE
A
growing number of coffee retailers are discovering that sustainability is a vital step toward success. These environmentally-friendly operations tend to focus more on long-term goals, while limiting their impact on the environment. There are many benefits to this forward-thinking approach: Sustainable businesses can better comply with increased regulations and legislation, which provides tax and other rebates. By using energy and water more efficiently, these operations not only reduce their carbon footprint, but also save on utility costs.
Most importantly, many coffee retailers have found that a sustainable approach has a positive effect on their business’ reputation. As more consumers become educated about green practices, they are seeking out places where they can put their dollars to work for the cause. In the following pages, Specialty Coffee Retailer profiles three coffee retail operations that have gone above and beyond incorporating sustainability into their business practices. It’s not always easy or cost-effective, but all agree that the payoff is great, nonetheless.
GREEN CAFE NETWORK
Technical assistance, training and support for coffee houses committed to going green is just a call away. The Green Cafe Network, a non-profit based in San Francisco, “is dedicated to greening the coffee house industry and harnessing café culture for environmental education and action,” says Founding Director Kirstin Henninger, whose goal is to recruit 75 cafes this year. Currently 23 independent cafes have met the network’s seven qualifying requirements, says Henninger. Members donate $75 to $120 to join. In return they share discounts offered by green suppliers; access to workshops and increased visibility as practitioners of environmental best practices. Members include Ritual Roasters, Velo Rouge Cafe,
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Epicenter Café, Café Local 123, and Awaken Café. The first outside the Bay Area was Elijah Bleu’s Café in Truckee, Calif., near Lake Tahoe. Member cafes divert an average 78 percent of their waste and two divert 90 percent, says Henninger. Energy efficiency measures at member cafes will save a minimum of 19,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions and thousands of dollars each year. The Network’s Green Business Services include sustainability audits, metrics and evaluations, support in obtaining green business certifications where available and assistance with green purchasing practices. To learn more contact: Kirstin Henninger at 415-407-6987, Email: info@greencafenetwork. org or visit www.greencafenetwork.org. — Dan Bolton