Learn, Taste, Act! (LTA!) is an innovative event and Campaign initiative to increase awareness of and access to shade-grown coffee.

 
 
May 10, 2008

The NWSCC partnered with Kitsap Audubon and Grounds for Change to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day and World Fair Trade Day. This was the Campaign’s second Learn, Taste, Act! event and was very timely with migratory birds beginning to return to the Northwest after wintering in the coffee growing countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

In efforts to make the connection between coffee and birds, the event began with a guided coffee tasting, thanks to Kelsey Marshall and the rest of the Grounds for Change staff.  Three shade-grown coffees were sampled, including single origin coffees from Mexico, Sumatra, and Peru.  The Peruvian coffee sampled was the "Seattle Audubon Blend" that is sold in our very own Nature Shop. 

The tasting was followed by team trivia, further connecting this newfound coffee knowledge with the birds that depend on habitat in coffee plantations.  All participants were encouraged to send their comments to Tully’s Coffee, requesting the addition of shade-grown coffees to their organic and fair trade options.  

Many thanks to the Campaign volunteers and Kitsap Audubon, who helped with this event.  Thanks also to Grounds for Change for their continued support of Seattle Audubon and for their commitment to sustainability.      

 
January 17, 2007 

  LTA! kicked off to a great start in January as the Northwest Shade Coffee Campaign (NWSCC) partnered with Seattle's Caffe Appassionato for a coffee-filled evening.

A special thanks to Caffe Appassionato and Phil Sancken, one of the Caffe's owners, who started the evening off with the history of this business and their dedication to selling socially and environmentally conscious coffees. Phil profiled three shade-grown coffees, each with a different roast and blend. Phil and Campaign volunteer Brad Shaffer educated attendees in what to look for when tasting different coffees. Much like wine, coffee carries distinct flavors based on its origins and its roast. Aromas and flavors can be accentuated with foods that pair well with each particular coffee: almonds, oranges, chocolate, and peanut brittle accompanied the various coffee samples.  

The evening continued with a rousing round of coffee and bird based trivia (eg. What purpose does caffeine serve to the coffee plant? It's a natural pesticide!). The connection was made between birds, habitat, and coffee. The event culminated with a request to petition Tully's Coffee to carry certified Bird Friendly Coffee in addition to their Fair Trade and Organic coffees.

Missed both events? You can still take action! Visit Get Involved to find out how!