Mother Earth
Last week, we celebrated Earth Day. Next week, we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day. So it seems only fitting that this week we should celebrate Mother Earth!
Kona Coffee & Tea has always been focused on being as eco-friendly as possible. From our farming practices to the packaging of the coffee beans, here are a few ways we give back to our mother earth:
Compost Ground Coffee on the Farm
Our café saves all their coffee grounds, green food waste, and paper products to go back into the farm’s soil. Every other day, you’re likely to see the owner, Dan, filling up his truck of compost to bring to the farm. Compost helps divert nutrients to the trees’ root systems while keeping the topsoil structured, which acts as a barrier to curb the spread of disease.
2. Plastic-free in the café
Last year, we got rid of plastic straws and switched to compostable to-go cups. And did you know that we’ll give you a 10% discount if you bring in your own mug or straw? To safely serve takeout during this time of COVID-19, we make drinks in a pitcher, then pour them into the customer’s cup while avoiding contact.
3. New eco-friendly packaging
We are transitioning the packaging of our coffee bags to be more environmentally friendly. Beginning with our most popular medium roast, the new eco-packaging is made from 60% compostable materials. Don’t worry, it still has the same great coffee inside! Our goal is to transition to 100% biodegradable packaging by 2025.
4. Support community projects
Kona Coffee and Tea is thrilled to support local community projects. We provide monthly coffee donations to nonprofits and community organizations, and do an annual fundraiser for a local nonprofit. In 2019, Kona Coffee & Tea raised nearly $1,000 for the non-profit organization, Hui Aloha Kīholo, during our #GivingTuesday campaign. Learn more about the work this nonprofit does by clicking here.
As I write this, Hawaii and the rest of the world is still greatly affected by COVID-19. Many of us are staying inside and seeking the little joys in life like social-distant hangouts and video calls with family and friends. I’ve personally been missing the joys of being able to see my family and greet them with hugs—especially my mom during Mother's Day. But if there’s one thing my mom taught me, it’s that we can get through anything when we work together.
As you celebrate the moms in your life with flowers (and coffee!), we hope you also celebrate the beauty of our natural world. Perhaps now, more than ever, we are reminded of our impact on the environment around us. Even though we are apart, we can work together to keep the places we love better for future generations.
CONTRIBUTOR: KIRSTINA BOLTON MOTAMEDI
FAVORITE KONA COFFEE & TEA DRINK: Cappuccino
DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATION (when we can safely travel again): Hiking in the Italian Dolomites
I am the youngest of three in the Bolton family and the only one not currently in Kona. I live with my husband in Oakland, CA, and work in the travel industry. I'm looking forward to traveling back home when it is safe to do so.
Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 10th.
Although we're still at home social distancing, we can still dream about spending Mother's day sandwiched in big hugs on a beach in Hawaii. We'll be sending Mom virtual hugs and 100% Kona coffee instead.
