Thank you for asking! We at High Peaks Java want you to know that we are committed to providing excellent Sustainable Coffees. High Peaks Java began roasting very fine Organic, Fair Trade and Shade Grown coffees in the fall of 2003. The business is owned and operated by Carrie and Derek Java and is located in the beautiful city of Glens Falls, nestled at the base of the Adirondack High Peaks region of New York.

By purchasing only Organic coffees, we tell the coffee market that we want more coffee to be farmed without harmful man-made pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Coffee produced with these types of synthetic chemicals leads to the deterioration of soils, destruction of rainforests and natural habitat for wildlife, and ultimately to the poisoning of community water supplies on and around coffee farms. We choose to purchase only certified organic coffees. We believe that as more and more people demand that their coffee be produced organically, the coffee farmers of the world will convert to more responsible farming practices.

We also purchase certified Fair Trade coffees whenever possible. To obtain certification, a coffee farm must prove that the money made from coffee sales is put back into the community and the hands of the farm's employees. A certified Fair Trade farmer can charge a per-pound price for coffee that is currently 110% higher than the current market price. We pay them the higher price because we know they will use our money responsibly.

High Peaks Java purchases Shade Grown coffees whenever possible. Many organic coffees are shade grown. These are coffees grown under a canopy of several varieties of shade trees. This is a popular and environmentally responsible way to add a natural source of fertilization and pest control to a coffee farm. The foliage and debris from the shade trees can be used as compost for fertilization. The shade trees also provide habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife. These birds and wildlife are a natural source of pest control, because they eat bugs. Shade Grown coffee production encourages reforestation instead of deforestation. That's a real good thing for us nature lovers.

High Peaks Java uses only organic cleaning supplies in the office and on equipment used to roast, grind, weigh and package coffee. We use humane methods of pest prevention. We use only 100% recycled paper for our company labels, promotional packages and stationary, and we recycle everything we can. Carrie and Derek also live by these ideals.