On hot summer days, there's nothing better than enjoying a nice cool drink under a parasol in the garden or on the balcony. That's why we're replacing coffee and tea with their summery counterparts: iced coffee and iced tea!
The Environmental Impact of Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are a staple in many people's daily routines. Did you know that approximately 33.5 million cups of coffee and 16.2 million cups of tea are consumed annually in the Netherlands? (Source: https://koffiethee.nl/artikelen/nationaal-koffie-thee-onderzoek-2022 ) This makes coffee and tea the second most popular beverage in the Netherlands, after tap water!
Unfortunately, the coffee and tea industry also has a dark side that often remains unaddressed. The production of these beverages is often accompanied by significant environmental damage and social inequality. Coffee and tea plantations contribute to large-scale deforestation, soil depletion, and biodiversity loss. Moreover, coffee and tea cultivation yields little for local farmers and workers. The unfair distribution in the coffee supply chain plays a significant role in this. A small number of large trading companies have the power to set and keep prices low, meaning that profits primarily accrue to the end of the chain, to importers and roasters. (Source: https://www.fairtradenederland.nl/campagne/weet-wat-je-koopt/ & https://www.fairtradenederland.nl/nieuws/ruim-95-van-de-koffie-in-retail-is-niet-eerlijk/ )
What you can do: sustainable choices in coffee and tea
As consumers, we can make a difference! We can contribute to a more sustainable coffee and tea chain by preparing coffee and tea. Part of the ecological footprint of coffee and tea is created during the preparation process. Consider the energy consumption of brewing, heating water, and the waste of unused beverages. By being mindful of quantities—for example, only brewing what you actually drink—you can easily reduce waste. (Source: https://www.milieucentraal.nl/eten-en-drinken/drinken/ ).
By choosing sustainable and fair-trade coffee and tea, we reduce our environmental impact and ensure farmers receive the wages they deserve. Try a delicious iced coffee made from GUZO Coffee or enjoy a refreshing iced tea made with TrendingTea for a summer drink with impact!
Making Iced Coffee with GUZO Coffee
Do you love coffee but would prefer to swap your steaming cup for a cooler drink in the summer? Then iced coffee is the solution! With coffee from our partner GUZO, you can do just about anything.
GUZO Coffee is a coffee brand with a clear mission: to contribute to a stronger Ethiopian economy by keeping as much value as possible in the country of origin. The entire production process—from bean to packaging—takes place in Ethiopia itself. This approach ensures that the added value of coffee production remains local. Fairtrade coffee tastes even better. And the various blends GUZO offers prove this.
Try the Elegant Mokati blend , a refined coffee with soft hazelnut notes and a subtle hint of chocolate. It makes the most delicious iced mocha! Pour the cooled coffee into a glass filled with ice cubes and enjoy with a generous splash of (plant-based milk). For a festive twist, top with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
For a quick and delicious dessert, make an Italian affogato. This classic dessert features a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with hot espresso. Use Strong Anbessa coffee beans for a robust, dark roast with a full flavor. The hot coffee pairs beautifully with the creamy, sweet ice cream.
Prefer a pure coffee flavor? Then brew a cup of coffee made with Happy Desta beans , a smooth, rich coffee in a mild blend. Add a few ice cubes to your cup and you'll have a deliciously refreshing cup of coffee.
Refreshing iced tea recipes with TrendingTea
For a delicious, refreshing iced tea, visit our partner TrendingTea You've come to the right place. TrendingTea tea comes from Sri Lanka, an island known worldwide for its rich tea culture and high-quality tea plantations. The tea isn't simply grown here, but in an agroforestry system where biodiversity and soil health are paramount. It's also processed and packaged locally, ensuring more economic value remains in the country of origin. Farmers and employees also receive a fair price for their production, far exceeding the Fairtrade premium.
TrendingTea offers a wide range of tea flavors – there's something for everyone! How about an iced chai latte ? Boil water, add the tea, and a spoonful of floral nectar . Then let it cool in the refrigerator and serve in a glass filled with ice cubes and a generous splash of (plant-based) milk. Enjoy the spicy flavor!
Or opt for a refreshing iced tea made with mint and hibiscus from TrendingTea. Add the tea to a pitcher or glass of boiling water and refrigerate for a few hours. Then strain the water and pour it into a glass with ice cubes, a sprig of mint, and a handful of raspberries for a bright and fruity thirst quencher.
Together for a Beautiful Summer
Whether you choose a strong iced coffee or a light iced tea, by choosing ethical brands like GUZO Coffee and TrendingTea, you make every summer drink a moment of impact. Cooling for you, better for the world.
This blog post was written voluntarily by Juul – thank you for your enthusiasm! Would you like to write something too? Let us know!
This blog post was written voluntarily by Juul – thank you for your enthusiasm! Would you like to write something too? Let us know!
