Tag: Fair Trade

Types of coffee with 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.

Here are three AlterNativa3 products for you to choose from.

1. Coffee with reishi helps you fight infections and diseases thanks to the beta-glucans and triterpenoids that this fungus contains. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps to relieve pain if you are already experiencing symptoms.
2. Coffee with shiitakeLike the previous one, it 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.
3. Coffee with lion's maneThe antioxidant properties of the plant contribute 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.

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.

Improve your well-being

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.

Studies on child exploitation

Studies have shown 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 Fair Trade principles is that it is child labour prohibited. Children should attend school.

Fair Trade is based on a essential principle prohibiting forced labour and the child labour exploitation. This ensures that no child engages in activities that harm his or her physical, mental, social or spiritual development, interfere with his or her 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.

Supporting children in producer countries in the Global South

The projects we carry out in the producing countries of the Global South are aimed at supporting projects that always include children among 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 in primary schools, which are small libraries in the centres that 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 materials.

Several poor rural schools have benefited from these reading points, a reading point has been organised at the headquarters of a COMULACS producer 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.

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.

What we gain from responsible consumption

The awareness with which we exercise our role as consumers depends on many elements that are responsible for driving more ethical and sustainable practices.

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 make an active contribution..

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Sugar cane and 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.

• 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.