Ethical Bean Coffee Company

Last month we had a week long series dedicated to for-profit businesses that either supported nonprofits or were recognized for their socially responsible business practices. I  couldn't fit all the great companies then, but today I'll be featuring another great coffee and tea company that's worth supporting, because as we learned a change a small as your brand of coffee is still a step towards a better world.

Ethical Bean Coffee Company, founded in 2003 by Lloyd Bernhardt and Kim Schachte in Vancouver, British Columbia, is the Lower Mainland's fastest growing Certified Fair Trade coffee supplier and B.C's only 100% Transfair Canada Certified Fair Trade Coffee roaster. The company was born from a deep, personal connection to Latin America, a sense of social and environmental responsibility, and a love of coffee. Ethical Bean roasts only 100% Fair Trade Certified and Certified Organic shade grown coffees.

The company believes in global responsibility and environmental sustainability, (organic, shade grown, and bird friendly). Suppliers strive to leave the smallest footprint and to preserve the surrounding ecosystems. They are committed to ensuring small-scale farmers receive a fair price for their efforts, sustaining their businesses and providing a decent standard of living for their families. 

Through community partnerships, Ethical Bean has created coffees to help nonprofits. Their Community Blend Partnerships benefits local nonprofit organizations. Each time you buy these special blends, a portion of the proceeds goes to the corresponding organization. Ethical Bean currently has two blends, benefiting Vancouver's Folk Music Festival and Adoptive Families Association of B.C.

They also have a 'give-back' program, (via Child Aid), which benefits children from a region in Guatemala where Ethical Bean sources its coffee. Every December, $1 from every 1lb of coffee sold goes to sponsor kids through primary school. In 2006, 45 students received the aid.

The company also sells tea, and they are just as committed to global and environmental responsibility. To find out about their tea initiatives, philanthropic efforts, and of course product information, please visit Ethical Bean's website.