Financing Justice Coffee and other tips
There are many ways to finance this mission
This coffee costs no more than other gourmet coffees, but unless you're currently serving gourmet coffee, it's apt to cost somewhat more than the usual supermarket brands. (But keep in mind the environmental and justice costs of that low supermarket price!!)
If your regular budget can't easily support this, try selling Equal Exchange's individual packages of coffee, tea, and cocoa to members of the congregation for their home use and add on a modest amount (perhaps 50ยข a package) to finance your congregation's fellowship coffee.
Create and display a poster near the coffee pot
Explain why you're serving this coffee instead of the cheaper supermarket brands. (See "Making the connection" below for info.) This is a good opportunity for educating the congregation about these issues and about environmental justice in general. Provide a list of places congregation members can purchase these coffees for their own use. In fact, you can purchase a box of 12-oz. packages of coffee for sale to congregation members for their home use. This is a great fund-raiser for youth groups or other groups in your congregation! NOTE: If you're ordering your coffee from Equal Exchange, be sure to order some of the free educational materials with each order!
Justice Coffee makes great gifts
Looking for an affordable gift that doesn't burden the earth? Why not buy a case of Justice Coffee for gifts? And when you buy your coffee from Equal Exchange, participating denominations receive stickers with the their own Coffee Project logo to stick on each bag.
Save the coffee grounds!
Put them in your worm or regular compost bin. If you don't have a compost bin, find a member who does.
Use unbleached coffee filters
Just as we can prevent the dangerous chemical dioxin by choosing our office paper carefully, we can do the same with our coffee filters. Choose unbleached!
