Tag: Fair Trade

Autumn is here, the favourite season for many, but also a time for colds due to the drop in temperatures and sudden changes in the weather. This month, therefore, we want to show you some of our favourite home remedies to help prevent colds or at least alleviate its symptoms.

 

5 home remedies against colds

 

You may already know some of them, but in this list you will find different options to strengthen you for the change of season:

 

1. Thyme infusion: This herb is known for its uses in cooking, but we should not underestimate its medicinal properties. In fact, it is antibacterial and antiviral, making it your ally in the fight against pathogens. In addition, it has expectorant, mucolytic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. If you already have a cold, this infusion will help soothe the pain and decongest the airways.
2. Ginger infusion: Without a doubt, a classic. Ginger is antibacterial, so it helps to disinfect if necessary. It is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, so it relieves pain and strengthens the immune system.
3. Vapours and humidifiers: Breathing out at home, always taking care to avoid burns, helps to drain the nasal passages and relieve discomfort caused by nasal congestion. Humidifiers, on the other hand, help you to maintain adequate humidity levels, also to reduce congestion. In addition, some studies suggest that respiratory viruses are less likely to be transmitted at humidity levels between 40 and 60 %.
4. Hot water or tea with lemon and honey: It is an effective remedy for soothing a sore throat, as well as improving sleep and reducing night-time coughs thanks to the properties of honey. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.

 

5. Coffee with adaptogenic mushrooms

The above remedies are perfect for relieving cold symptoms, but the ideal is to always maintain a strong immune system so that these unpleasant episodes are reduced.

 

At AlterNativa3 we have added to our catalogue the adaptogenic mushroom coffeesthree products whose benefits we told you about in a previous article.

• Our coffee with reishi helps you fight infections and diseases thanks to the beta-glucans and triterpenoids that this fungus has. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps to relieve pain if you are already experiencing symptoms.
• Our coffee with shiitakelike the previous one, also incorporates beta-glucans, making it another excellent choice if you want to boost your immune system. Its delicious umami taste makes it a very pleasant way to boost your health every morning.
• Our coffee with lion's maneis an antioxidant, which contributes to a good state of health. If we add to this the role of its bioactives and polysaccharides, whose properties improve cognitive functions, it is an excellent proposal for everyday life.

 

All set for autumn? Try these home remedies to prevent or fight colds and enjoy this beautiful season!

 

 

At AlterNativa3 we understand that coffee is more than just a drinkIt's a time to connect, recharge your batteries and enjoy your work environment. That's why we present BioCoffice, our organic and fair trade coffee offer that transforms this moment in your office into a responsible and pleasant experience.

 

BioCoffice extends our commitment to the office

 

At AlterNativa3 we are committed to taking our responsibility and ethics beyond our facilities, extending this commitment to the workplace. That's why we have created BioCoffice, an initiative that not only reflects your social responsibility, but also invites your employees to be part of positive change.

 

A service for companies

We want your company to benefit from an excellent and ethical coffee experience without you having to worry about a thing. That's why our services are designed to offer you maximum convenience and adaptability, ensuring that every coffee break is a pleasant and responsible moment. 

BioCoffice services include:

 

Office coffee

BioCoffice is the ideal solution for companies that value fair trade and sustainability. Every cup served contributes to improving the living conditions of producing communities in developing countries, ensuring fair working conditions and decent payment for their work.

In addition, of course, is the quality of the product. In all formats, you will find Arabica coffee beans, which are characterised by their cultivation at an altitude of between 500 and 2,400 metres, as well as by their mild flavour and diversity of aromas. If you know that your office has a taste for stronger flavours, you can always choose a blend with Robusta beans, or if you fancy something different, try our speciality coffee. 

You can also complement your coffee by adding and enjoying other products such as rooibos infusions with orange and cinnamon, green tea, single-dose instant cocoa, cane sugars from Paraguay and compostable cups, among others.

 

Coffee subscription

Simplify your experience with our monthly subscription, which ensures a continuous supply of coffee directly to your office. Simply adjust the preferences, taking into account the tastes of your employees, and let us take care of the regular deliveries.

 

Business coffee machines

If your office doesn't yet have a coffee machine, we offer several options to suit your needs and budget. From automatic models to compostable capsule systems, we have the perfect machine to make every break a special moment. Get yours and you'll get a monthly gift pack.

 

 

Advantages of choosing BioCoffice for your office

Since our beginnings in 1992, AlterNativa3 has been at the forefront of establishing the first fair trade coffee roastery in Spain. The BioCoffice service for your office is a further step for us and for those companies that are looking for the advantages of integrating responsibility and sustainability into their working environment, as well as a product that stands out for its excellent quality.

 

Why is BioCoffice ideal for your work?

BioCoffice is our office solutionbased on 100 % organic and fair trade coffee, grown by small cooperatives in countries of the Global South. Using traditional and environmentally friendly techniques, we guarantee a high quality product that improves the living conditions of the producing communities. 

Learn more about its advantages:  

1. Product of superior quality and taste
   Enjoy exceptional coffee and taste. Thanks to our selection and roasting process, every BioCoffice cup offers an unrivalled taste experience.
2. Benefits for workers' health and well-being
   Organic coffee is free of pesticides and chemicals, which promotes a healthier working environment. In addition, we have a wide variety of options, all of them with a common benefit that goes through a medium-low roasting, so that the coffee bean is preserved in perfect conditions and all its organoleptic qualities are maintained.
3. Commitment to sustainability
   Choosing BioCoffice means choosing coffee that respects the environment. Our cultivation and production methods minimise environmental impact, supporting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
4. Promoting fair trade
   By choosing BioCoffice, you support small farmers and cooperatives working under fair trade principles, guaranteeing fair treatment and better working conditions for producers.
5. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
   BioCoffice contributes to several SDGs, including poverty reduction, gender equality and responsible production and consumption, to align your business with a positive global impact.
6. Positive corporate image
   Implementing BioCoffice in your office reinforces your commitment to sustainability and fair trade, and enhances the image of your company as a responsible and conscious place.
7. Customised solutions for your office
   We offer coffee in different formats such as beans, capsules and pods, 100% Arabica, blends and speciality coffees. In addition to this, we offer various options - infusions, cocoa, decaffeinated coffee and various types of sugar - to adapt to the specific needs of your office.
8. Ease of purchase and delivery
   Buying BioCoffice is simple and convenient. Order online and have your coffee delivered directly to your office, hassle-free.
9. Innovation and avant-garde
   We are at the forefront in the supply of organic and fair trade coffee, with a novel proposal for offices that brings quality and sustainability to the workplace in one of the moments that the team enjoys the most.
10. Waste reduction
    We opt for compostable packaging and efficient practices that minimise waste, contributing to a more responsible management of resources.

How many coffees are drunk daily in your office? With this information we can offer you the right pack to always enjoy a sustainable and responsible product. For more details, please do not hesitate to contact us at clientes@alternativa3.com.

 

Transform your coffee break into an experience of flavour, quality and responsibility with BioCoffice for the office. Make a difference today!

 

 

In the fast pace of everyday life, finding natural solutions to help improve health and promote wellbeing is key. This need has led to a growing interest in the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake and the lion's mane.

 

Your coffees with adaptogenic mushrooms

 

Below, we explore the properties of these mushrooms and see how combining them with coffee, which you can already find in our catalogue, enhances their positive effects and creates a healthy and revitalising drinking experience.

 

Reishi, the mushroom of immortality

The reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been revered in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years for its many benefits:

 

• It boosts the immune system thanks to its beta-glucans and triterpenoids, which help your body fight infection and disease.
• It has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting a state of relaxation, without causing drowsiness.
• Its bioactive compounds give it anti-inflammatory properties, which help to alleviate chronic ailments and improve overall health.

 

Shiitake, the flavour of health

Another highly valued mushroom is the shiitake (Lentinula edodes)which stands out not only for its benefits, but also for its delicious umami taste. These are its main advantages:

 

• Its erythadenine content helps to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
• Like reishi, shiitake is rich in beta-glucans that strengthen the immune system.
• Some studies attribute protective effects to shiitake against certain types of cancer.

 

Lion's Mane, the brain fungus

Finally, we would like to mention the lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)which stands out for its distinctive appearance and its potential to improve brain health, among other benefits:

 

• Its compounds stimulate the growth of neurons and improve cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.
• Supports digestive health by promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
• It is a mushroom rich in antioxidants, so it helps fight cell damage and premature ageing.

 

Coffee and adaptogenic mushrooms, a perfect combination

We've already seen the many benefits adaptogenic mushrooms have for your health, but can you imagine combining them with the benefits of coffee? As well as being a delicious way to incorporate them into your daily routine, coffee provides energy and concentration, making it a perfect complement to the soothing and revitalising effects of these ingredients.

 

These are some of the reasons why our coffee with reishiour coffee with lion's mane and our coffee with shiitake will become daily essentials to improve your well-being.:

 

• Coffee provides an immediate energy boost and the adaptogenic mushrooms help to maintain it, thus avoiding the ups and downs that can be caused by drinking coffee alone.
• This combination helps reduce stress and anxiety, and improves mood.
• Incorporating adaptogenic mushrooms into an everyday item such as coffee helps you establish a beneficial habit for your immune system.

 

Coffee is one of the protagonists of our catalogue, both for the nature of its production - and our commitment to Fair Trade, so necessary in this sector - and for its qualities as a product.

 

Now we've taken it a step further by incorporating the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms into these items that will fill your day with wellness, health and vitality, and awaken your senses with the delicious aroma of coffee.

 

 

Even though it is 2024, we are still celebrating the World Day Against Child Labourwhich is 12 June. This only means that there is still a long way to go in respecting the human rights of all people and, in particular, of such vulnerable sectors as children.

 

The current child labour situation

 

According to the UNICEF and ILO 2020 Reports, 160 million children work in the world (that's 1 in 10).. As well as being alarming, it is even more alarming that it is growing, especially in the 5-11 age group. These studies also state that 1 in 3 children do NOT go to school and they have to dedicate themselves to work.

 

For all this, and much more, it is very necessary to continue claiming and publicising the benefits of Fair Trade in this aspect.

 

Fair Trade and child protection

One of the principles of the Fair Trade is that it is child labour prohibited. Children should attend school.  

 

Fairtrade is based on a core principle that prohibits forced labour and the exploitation of child labour. This ensures that no child is engaged in activities that harm their physical, mental, social or spiritual development, interfere with their education, or are carried out in abusive conditions. In addition, the Fair Trade system promotes decent and safe working conditions for all workers, ensuring that economic gains are not achieved at the expense of human rights and social justice.

 

As stated by the State Fair Trade Coordinator, this organisation adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as to national and local legislation on the employment of minors.

 

AlterNativa3's projects in support of children

 

In addition to promoting fair trade, AlterNativa3 also carries out complementary actions that benefit the children's sector in particular. The projects we carry out in the producer countries of the Global South are aimed at supporting projects that count on children always between the groups of people involved.

 

In Nicaragua, and with the production cooperative COMULACS, we are developing several cooperation projects that are beneficial for the training and development of children. 

 

Encouraging reading in primary schools

In particular, we highlight the Reading corners The primary school libraries, which are small libraries in the schools, promote reading among all pupils. 

 

The creation of these reading points includes the provision of materials necessary for their operation, such as books and school supplies. Several poor rural schools have benefited, a reading point has been set up at the headquarters of a COMULACS production cooperative and a public library has been established in a local community.

 

School gardens: education and nutrition

As a cooperative, we remain committed to contributing to the production and processing of healthy and wholesome food for children.

For this reason, another of the projects dedicated to children is the development of school gardens. The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the cultivation process of its main foodstuffs and to promote a healthy and varied diet among students.

 

Working in school gardens involves a collaborative approachThe project is also aimed at integrating mothers and fathers in the process. Participants are provided with documentation to inform them about the school garden procedure: how to set up a school garden, different crop varieties, garden behaviour, advantages and disadvantages and the application of fair trade and gender equity values.

 

Community benefits 

It should be noted that these initiatives have an indirect impact on the whole community in the production area. and which also involves all the members of each family, so that development is integral and extends to the entire productive environment, not only to the members of the cooperative.

 

With all this we want to remind you that, when you choose your fair trade products, you are supporting and contributing to the continuation of this type of projects. And that means that you are also supporting and you contribute to a fairer and more sustainable world changing the coffee that accompanies you on a daily basis.

 

 

In a world increasingly aware of its impact on the planet, responsible consumption is a powerful tool to promote change towards a more sustainable future. On World Consumer Day, we're reaching out to you to remind you of the power and value of your purchasing decisions.

 

Celebrating the collective conscience

On this important date, it is crucial to remember our role as consumers and how our purchasing decisions can positively impact the world. Choosing fair trade products is a powerful way to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

The power of fair trade: every contribution is valuable

Fair trade and responsible consumption go hand in hand, offering a path towards a fairer and more sustainable future for all.
The awareness with which we exercise our role as consumers depends on many elements that are responsible for driving more ethical and sustainable practices. Our contribution at the time of purchase will improve our planet and the life on it.

What we gain from responsible consumption

The beneficial effect of fair trade extends far beyond simple commercial transactions. The most important aspects of practising responsible consumption are:

• Respect for the environment: By choosing products free of pesticides and chemicals, you are protecting nature and its life cycles.
• Quality and health care: The production respecting the natural harvest cycles and the rigorous quality controls ensure an excellent product that also protects your health.
• Dignity for people: Producers and workers are paid a fair wage and work in decent conditions, while children can go to school.
• A trading system focused on people and nature: By choosing Fairtrade products, you support a system that prioritises human well-being and care for the environment over economic profit.

By choosing fair trade products, we are building a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

We encourage you, if you haven't already done so, to make the switch to Fairtrade products. If you share our vision of sustainable human development, this is your chance to actively contribute.

Today and every day, we thank all the consumers who choose fair trade. With every purchase, you are choosing a more conscious lifestyle and a fairer, more equitable trading model - thank you for being part of the change!

 

 

At AlterNativa3 we are aware of the urgency to implement new models of consumption and production. It is important to note that the emergency is not only environmental: conventional production practices intensify labour exploitation, poverty and inequality around the world.

 

The reality of unsustainable consumption

In today's unbridled race of consumption and production, it is estimated that by 2050 we will need three planets to sustain our lifestyles. This reveals the unsustainability of the current consumption model, aggravated by factors such as chemical soil degradation and water scarcity.

Climate challenge: the commitment of Fair Trade

We warn against the conventional model that favours large-scale production, with monocultures and maximisation of short-term yields. This approach triggers negative impacts such as deforestation, desertification and biodiversity loss.

12 Fair Trade practices against climate change

This year in our 2024 calendar, we will share twelve real examples of Fairtrade cooperatives working to mitigate the effects of climate change. Join us in our quest for a more sustainable and just future.

 

12 Fair Trade stories: transforming communities

At AlterNativa3 we believe and we practice Fair Trade and we strive for environmental and social protection. That is why we strive, together with communities around the world, to make equitable, sustainable and coherent transformations in trade and agriculture a reality. Here are twelve practices that exemplify this effort.

 

1- Food security in Burkina Faso

24 women in Burkina Faso are coping with droughts and floods due to climate change, while ensuring food security.
They organise assemblies, distribute tasks and lead sustainable projects, promoting training and land ownership for a more sustainable future.

 

2- Adaptation to climate change in Thailand

In Yasothorn, Thailand, Fairtrade is driving a strong climate change adaptation programme. From awareness raising to loans, the community diversifies agriculture, strengthens its collective capacity and creates a dynamic learning network.

 

3- Migratory beekeeping in Guatemala

In Guatemala, migratory beekeeping moves hives to bee-friendly areas, with investments in reforestation and training to cope with climate change. Successes are shared in beekeeping committees and a dynamic network of learning and cooperation is being created.

 

4- Grapes and climate change in Chile

The Mi Fruta cooperative in Chile produces table grapes and is tackling climate change with strategic measures: soil improvement, technical strengthening and diversification.
Growers are also innovating with the use of solar energy to dry grapes, adapting resiliently to adverse conditions and ensuring productivity.

 

5- Rust-resistant coffee varieties in Peru

Faced with the threat of the fatal coffee plant disease caused by climate change in Peruvian coffee cultivation, innovative strategies are being adopted.
These include the production of resistant coffee varieties, plant rejuvenation, optimised fertilisation, reforestation, weed control and climate monitoring.

 

6- Bananas and climate change in Colombia
Climate change is affecting banana production in Colombia, with less rainfall and increased proliferation of pests. Several organisations are working on irrigation systems, water conservation and resource optimisation.

 

7- Climate change training in Nicaragua
The Comulacs cooperative provides customised training on leadership and climate change, with an emphasis on an improvement plan.
It also provides training in environmental responsibility for promoters and producer families, promoting sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

 

8- Advice on climate change and coffee in Nicaragua
Climate change challenges coffee farmers in Nicaragua. Fairtrade provides tailored technical advice to improve crops and ensure resilience to climate change, with tools for now and the future.

 

9- Sustainable mini-farms in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, family mini-farms integrate agricultural and livestock techniques for a continuous cycle. With financial support, advice and equipment, the project strengthens women in the communities, improving their participation and raising the economic and health status of the family.

 

10- Women and village poultry farming in Burkina Faso
PPASA's support boosts village poultry farming in Burkina Faso, benefiting local women who generate income to cover family needs such as health and education. Integrated actions improve poultry health, habitats and marketing.

 

11- Sugar cane in the face of climate change in Costa Rica
The Coopevictoria cooperative is facing increased pests, uncontrollable rains and erosion caused by climate change.
Through its activity, it reduces emissions, uses waste as organic fertiliser and protects water sources. It also promotes sustainable practices such as recycling vegetable oil for biodiesel.

 

12- Sustainable and responsible quinoa in Bolivia
ANAPQUI (Asociación Nacional de Productores de Quinua) grows quinoa organically using natural processes.
Thanks to CLAC, women producers are trained in sustainable practices and climate change mitigation, which they pass on to new generations to secure their future.

 

Your conscious and responsible consumption can also make a difference. Discover our activity and our Fair Trade products.