The United States is one of the biggest consumers of coffee, obliterating millions of cups every day. But the process of making the popular beverage is not sustainable. Beans must be grown, harvested, and processed in an undertaking that not only relies on the environment but harms it too. In Hawaii, Kona coffee is celebrated as being among the best in the world. When Jean and Danielle Orlowski visited the state, the couple fell in love with the brew and wanted to grow it sustainably. Together they founded Hala Tree, and started making organic coffee that honours the terrain.
After quitting their corporate jobs, Jean and Danielle relocated to Hawaii where they transformed over two hectares of land into a coffee farm. Here, they spent a year learning from local farmers. “Coffee is one of the crops where the most chemicals are used,” Jean says. The use of fertilisers and pesticides contaminates the water, which is fatal to plants and animals. But through their family-owned business, Jean and Danielle control every step of the production process, ensuring they prohibit harmful substances.
They’ve since extended their farm to nearly 40 hectares and still work with farmers in the region, this time assisting them in their pursuits to also become 100% organic. “It is challenging, but that’s what it takes to protect the environment,” Jean says. The Orlowskis are paving the future for organic farming and motivating others in the trade to follow suit. “Hawaii is inspiring us because we want to make sure we respect the environment and everything we do here,” Jean says.
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