Sustainability in the Form of Coffee

Sustainability, as defined by Wikipedia, is the ability to endure. Therefore, in its most

simplistic adaptation, the term “environmental sustainability” is the ability for the world

around us to endure.

Social justice, according to the National Association of Social Workers, is the belief that all people deserve equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities. If equality is reached in these areas, human life will endure.

Donkey Coffee and Espresso, located at 17 ½ W. Washington St. in Athens, OH blends more than just caffeine beverages. The quaint little shop is the perfect mix of sustainability and social justice and the product? The product is a delightful place that has been a presence in the Athens community for almost nine years and will undoubtedly remain and thrive for many years to come. Due to the business practices the shop chooses to abide by such as hiring from only within the community, offering locally baked goods, providing a space for local artists and musicians to perform, displaying brochures for local philanthropic groups, brewing only fair trade coffee products, and practicing sustainable recycle and waste methods, Donkey is exemplary of a successful sustainable business.

Roughly 65% of Donkey employees are Ohio University students, the remainder are Athenians, according to owner Chris Pyle. Employees go through extensive interviews, a main criteria being that he/she share the same values as Donkey exudes. Pyle not only hires locally, he also commissions local bakeries for all baked goods sold at Donkey (all except for the vegan cookies which are shipped to Athens). Bakery items are received from six local shops including Court Street’s Fluff.

Local and regional artists alike are invited to perform at, what is referred to as, the “backroom” at Donkey. This space, perfectly named, is located at the back of the 4,000-square-foot shop and provides a resting place for Athenians looking for good company and entertainment. The performances range from poetry slams to musicians to moviemakers. By visiting the website or venturing into the shop, one can book a date in the backroom. Events take place every Friday and Saturday night.

Groups that Donkey specifically sponsors include: American Red Cross, Appalachian Peace and Justice Network, Athens Conservatory, Good Works, Inc., Pregnancy Resource Center, and TransFair USA. According to their website, those at Donkey believe that these and other sponsored organizations are “doing a great job in our community to combat poverty and injustice and help us all move toward a better world.” These organizations range from human sustainability (American Red Cross) to environmental and economic sustainability (TransFair USA).

Donkey sells exclusively Fair Trade coffee. Fair trade, according to transfairusa.org, “empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.” Pyle purchases the beans for the shop from Dean’s Beans, a roaster who purchases certified fair trade coffee from Brazil. The fact that Pyle knows where his beans are from is a testament to just how community-oriented Donkey is. By advertising “Fair Trade”, the Donkey is advertising commitment to fair prices, fair labor conditions, direct trade, democratic and transparent organizations, community development, and environmental sustainability.

According to Pyle, ‘fair trade’ has become somewhat of a buzzword and various shops are advertising ‘fair trade’ coffee but it is not certified. “Our feeling is if you aren’t getting certified fair trade then farmers are really getting screwed,” Pyle said. “We hope everyone goes to fair trade but not at the expense of customers or the farmers.”

“To-go” cups such as refillable plastic mugs have recently gained popularity. Donkey has come up with a solution for those without a refillable mug but who plan to fill up their cup multiple times throughout the day. By spending an extra $0.40, the consumer receives a cup with a specific design drawn onto it by an employee and is able to return as many times as he/she would like throughout the day for a refill. This recycle practice potentially reduces the number of paper cups used by a consumer each day for periodic coffee fill-ups.

Paper cups used by Donkey are 100% compostable. Pyle hopes that all customers who take the to-go cup are either going to campus (where compost bins are placed) or able to find another compost station. Donkey recycles as many materials as possible and all compost that comes from the coffee grounds is used at local farms such as Good Earth Farms.

By employing such a variety of sustainable practices, Athens’ own Donkey Coffee and Espresso is proving to be a wonderful member of the world community.