1% for Projects
We believe that businesses can be forces for good and influence positive change in our communities. Inspired by Patagonia’s 1% for the Planet Scheme , we donate 1% of all our revenue toward community-centred projects that contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection. We split these contributions between coffee producing communities whose coffees we purchase and our community here in Margate and Kent.
Organisations and projects that support coffee growing communities
Because without them our business quite simply wouldn’t exist. And sometimes only paying more cash for coffee isn’t the best or only answer.
World Coffee Research
Established by Dr Tim Schilling in 2012, WCR is a non-profit agronomic research and development organisation whose purpose it is to : “Grow, protect, and enhance supplies of quality coffee while improving the livelihoods of the families who produce it.”
Since setting up the company in 2016 we have been proud members of the WCR check-off programme where we donate 5p per every 1kg of green coffee that we purchase through participating importing partners.
The Stumping Project - Ethiopia
The project is jointly led by the non-profit Techoserve & our import partner Falcon Coffees and it is a great example of how simple solutions with the right support and implementation can have a huge positive impact in whole communities.
Currently, the largest impediment to increased coffee productivity in Ethiopia is the lack of tree rejuvenation, also known as “stumping.” Even though stumping coffee trees has proven to be extremely beneficial for improving yields and is a common practice in many coffee growing areas, Ethiopian small-holder coffee farmers are reluctant to stump older trees primarily due to the immediate short-term loss of income. By rejuvenation, Ethiopian growers can achieve a longterm living income from coffee farming.
To encourage stumping adoption, The Stumping Project incentivises farmers with farming tools and support. Over the last few years of implementation the project has already had a big impact for many growers as demonstrated by direct testimonies.
Drying Beds Project - San Lorenzo - Colombia
We have been purchasing coffee from by members of the San Lorenzo community continuously since 2019. As we roast this coffee for our mainstay House Espresso available all year round it forms over 60% of our green coffee purchasing.
Our export partner Siruma have operated in the area for a number of years and with their sustainability team carried out a baseline analysis of the particular needs in the community. The main challenge in the area is coffee processing, in particular drying. Majority of producers don’t have sufficient drying space or their drying facilities are in poor condition. This is a key barrier in achieving the most of their coffees’ potential in terms of quality and related premiums as well as takes up a significant amount of time and energy to find way of drying coffee well without appropriate facilities.
In collaboration with a Finish roaster Siruma launched the Drying Beds Project a few years ago to help design and build durable, easy to maintain drying beds for those most in need and committed to quality. The pilot proved to be a success in improving the quality of coffee as well as the quality of life of growers.
In 2023/24 financial year we donated funds ($5,525) to build 5x new drying beds in the community and are looking forward to funding the next round in the coming year.
Environmental projects and initiatives in the UK
Because we need to look after the one planet that supports all our life and where better to do it than close to home.
Dane Valley Woods - Margate
Dane Valley Woods is a communitiy woodland, local wild space run entirely by volunteers who have since 2003 been turning a former landfil waste site into a thriving woodland, for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Few areas of the United Kingdom have as little tree coverage as Thanet. In fact, Thanet has 80% less tree canopy coverage than the UK average, putting us on par with Greater London!
The Steering Group of Dane Valley Woods has been working hard to change this since its establishment in 2003. The 12 acre site lies next to the Dane Valley Allotments, and the aim is to involve as many people as possible through practical task days, wildlife talks and walks; as well as other events all taking place at the woodland.
Rise Up. Clean Up. - Margate
RISE UP. CLEAN UP. is a community-driven social initiative with a mission to clean up Margate’s beaches and protect the local coastline, ocean and native wildlife.
Set up as a result of the excessive amount of litter left on Margate’s beautiful beaches RISE UP. CLEAN UP. works to inspire, unite and empower the local community to take action as one unit.
Run entirely by volunteers the group organises regular beach cleans to address the litter problem directly but also plan larger projects aimed inspiring civic pride and encouraging behavioural change, like installing drinking water fountains and commissioning large scale murals with environmental messages at various locations around town.
