You’ve heard of cold brew and pour-over coffee, but now bird-friendly coffee is having a moment. And for good reason—unlike traditional blends, it helps conserve natural bird habitats. So, what makes a coffee “bird friendly”? And why does it make a difference which coffee we buy? Here’s the breakdown of why buying bird-friendly coffee is a sustainable choice. We’ll also show you what to look for when you’re scanning the package.
Bird-Friendly Coffee—Why Important?
Coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world when it comes to pesticides. And most coffee farms also use methods that ruin bird habitats, like the rainforest. In fact, 75% of global coffee production destroys habitats that are home to millions of birds. (And we’ve already lost more than 30% of the North American bird population in less than 50 years.) And though certified sustainable coffee is gaining popularity, it still makes up only 8% of the world’s coffee market. Something needs to change.
Sobering coffee farming statistics:
- It’s estimated that for every cup of coffee produced, one square inch of rainforest was destroyed.
- Fertilization of coffee plants leeches nitrate into nearby water areas, killing aquatic life.
- One study of coffee farming in Costa Rica found that twice as many bird species declined than remained stable or grew in population.
- Another study revealed that a no-shade coffee farm sees 4x the decline in bird population compared to shaded plantations.
What Does “Bird-Friendly Certified Coffee” Mean?
A group of scientists at the Smithsonian started the “Bird-Friendly Coffee Project” in 1996 to promote wildlife-friendly coffee. They created a stringent certification system for coffee producers, one that protects the habitats of migratory and other birds.
To certify coffee as “bird friendly,” it must be:
- Shade-grown. Coffee farms must grow their beans in a forest-like habitat, under the canopy of trees rather than cleared land.
- Organic. Crops must be grown without the use of harmful pesticides, with 100% purity, which is double checked by third-party inspectors.
What are the Benefits of Buying Bird-Friendly Coffee?
You may be thinking, “I love to do what for our environment, but everything is so pricey now—I can’t afford bird-friendly coffee!” But if you already have a favorite specialty coffee, you’re only paying pennies more to upgrade to a bird-friendly brew.
In terms of your own health, certified bird-friendly coffee means that it bypasses all the pesticides that you’ll find in other, non-organic coffees. It also means a better tasting cup of joe, as the coffee is shade-grown, meaning that the coffee beans ripen slowly, releasing their natural flavor.
The benefits of bird-friendly coffee for the environment are huge. Not only for the birds, but for pollinators and our ecosystem in general. Native trees and shrubs are spared, helping to maintain the biodiversity we need for birds and wildlife to use as homes and as places to find sustenance, including berries, nuts, and seeds. And the trees that would be destroyed by traditional coffee farming methods are preserved, and play a vital role in removing carbon from the atmosphere. The trees, bushes, and shrubs also function as natural barriers to landslides and other natural disasters that adversely affect our homes and the crops we need to survive.
How to Choose a Bird-Friendly Coffee
Hint: Look for this label…
According to the National Audubon Society, they recommend looking for “Rainforest Alliance Certified” or “Bird Friendly” certifications. The Bird Friendly certification is considered the “gold standard,” because the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center has a stricter standard for 100% purity (meaning beans are grown under a thicker canopy cover, with zero pesticides). And remember: just because a coffee is labeled “organic” doesn’t mean it meets these standards.
Chirp’s Bird-Friendly, Triple-Certified Coffee
Recently, we at Chirp rolled out our own bird-friendly coffee brand, and with great customer feedback! Along with being bird-friendly certified, our blends also have a third certification: they’re fair trade too! It’s important to us that we adhere to our own Sustainability Credo, which, along with a nature and bird conservation focus, also seeks to build stronger communities and supporting social and economic equality by empowering farmers and workers. As conscientious customers, it’s important that you know where what you buy comes from, and we feel the same.
Stop by the Chirp store to buy a bag of Chirp’s Bird-Friendly Coffee—available as whole bean or grounds, and light, medium, and dark roasts (decaf too!) Or join Chirp’s coffee subscription to receive a monthly bag at a reduced price.
More Ways to Stay Sustainable
Along with making sure your morning cup is eco-safe, here are more tips on how to incorporate earth-friendly practices on the daily:
- Save water and energy around the house.
- Go chemical-free with your pest control.
- Ditch the plastics and use refillable products.
- Help your local birds.
- Shop locally and ethically.
- Teach your kids to respect the environment.
- Support local and national conservation organizations.
Share Your Tips with Us
Have you found a fun or interesting way to reduce your environmental impact? Share it with us in the comments!
Shade-grown coffee farm image courtesy of Anand Osuri.
