– By Chaitanya Bhamidipaty
According to the statistics, India only recycles 30 per cent of the plastic that is produced in the world each year. The rising trend in numbers demands immediate action. While a nice cup of coffee can brighten anyone’s day, disposable cups have a devastating effect on the planet. The environmental impact of the country’s love of tea and coffee extends to the widespread use of disposable plastic cups. Many businesses today are taking steps toward sustainability, and many more are helping the environment in small ways. Many cafes although have eco-friendly efforts and procedures that have been implemented by the chai and coffee sector in India. However, as a business, you must do all you can to aid in the fight against waste.
There are various ways in which these industries are striving to reduce their ecological footprint, promote sustainability, and contribute to a greener future.
Sustainable Sourcing
One of the key steps towards eco-friendliness in the chai and coffee industry is the adoption of sustainable sourcing practices. This involves procuring coffee and tea beans from environmentally responsible suppliers and ensuring that the production methods are ethical and environmentally friendly. Many coffee and tea brands in India now source their products from plantations and farms that are certified organic or adhere to sustainable agricultural practices. It is important to source from Rainforest alliance-certified sources. The certification means that the certified ingredient was produced using methods that support the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental. Certification emphasizes a commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability training, and clear benefits for farmers.
Energy Efficiency
The energy-intensive processes of roasting coffee and processing tea can have a significant environmental impact. To counter this, many chai and coffee companies are transitioning to energy-efficient practices. This includes the use of energy-efficient machinery, solar power, and the adoption of eco-friendly lighting solutions in production facilities. These measures not only reduce the carbon footprint but also result in cost savings.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Packaging plays a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of the chai and coffee industry. Millions of trees are cut down for producing single-use paper cups and it’s making the environment more polluted. They can replace these with reusable cups instead. Businesses are increasingly opting for eco-friendly packaging materials such as biodegradable bags, recycled paper, and reusable containers. These efforts minimize the use of plastic and help combat pollution. In our cafes, we use cutlery for all dine-in eliminating the use of any disposable or even re-usable materials.
Fair Trade and Ethical Practices
Promoting fair trade and ethical practices is an essential component of eco-friendliness in the tea and coffee industry. Ensuring that the workers involved in production are paid fairly and treated with respect is not only morally right but also contributes to social and environmental sustainability. Inclusive growth of all sections of the society is the new mantra. The loss of millions of trees for producing cups means less carbon dioxide is absorbed from our atmosphere and as a result, the environment is polluted. To combat the carbon emissions associated with production and transportation, some businesses in the industry are engaging in carbon offsetting initiatives trying to reduce it.
Consumer Education
Creating awareness among consumers about the environmental impact of their choices is crucial. Many tea and coffee brands are actively engaging in consumer education to promote eco-friendly practices. They share information about their sustainability efforts and encourage consumers to make environmentally conscious choices.
India’s coffee and chai businesses are slowly becoming more eco-friendly, but they still have a long way to go. Adopting these practices, not only contributes to a greener future but also aligns with the growing global consciousness about the need to protect our planet. It is essential for businesses in the industry to continue their efforts to promote eco-friendliness, inspiring other industries and consumers to follow suit in the quest for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
(Chaitanya Bhamidipaty is the co-founder of Roastea.)
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