3.6 - Coffee

Question 1

What environmental issues have arisen due to globalisation?

Answer 1

• supply chains are getting longer and more complex
• emissions regulations mean that polluting industries move elsewhere, still polluting
• exploitation of natural resources is easier, thus more common

Question 2

Why are coffee beans problematic?

Answer 2

• need direct sunlight, no forest canopy
• fertiliser is needed
• 2.5 million acres of forest are lost as a result

Question 3

Advantages of fair trade?

Answer 3

• food is usually organic, better for earth as fewer pesticides used + better quality goods
• helps poorer farmers as fair trade surcharge goes towards raising incomes
• profit is used to create facilities, eg. Hospitals + schools

Question 4

What are the downsides of fairtrade?

Answer 4

• is less intensive, which means in short term, is more inefficient in terms of land use
• high cost for consumer means risk of overproduction is high, could result in prices falling below viability
• transport is more car based which is more inefficient that lorries

Question 5

What do schemes that pose as alternatives to Fairtrade do?

Answer 5

• pay farmers more
• ensure farmers have constant sources of income
• commit more to investment in farms
• results in better quality goods

Question 6

What other factors must companies take into mind?

Answer 6

• recyclability of packaging (Aluminium Nespresso pods are 90% recyclable)
• transport emissions
• other ways emissions can be emitted (coffee machines can’t be controlled by pod)

Question 7

What things make up sustainability quadrant?

Answer 7

• pro equality
• community minded
• efficiency (with resources)
• Environmentally friendly