Coffee: A Natural Resource

Bailey VercruyssenKayla Grimes

How is coffee used in the US, and why do we “need” it?

Coffee is mainly used for beverage consumption. The grounds can be used for a variety of things too. Since coffee is mostly

used for drinking, it’s not really that much of a necessity, although some people think it is

because there can be huge side effects. Some people can even become addicted to the

caffeine.

Where does coffee come from?

The coffee we drink is made from a coffee bean, which is grown on a tree in over 70

different countries. They can only be grown in very specific conditions to being high quality.

What are the major advantages to using this resource and what are the disadvantages?

When drinking coffee, there can be both very many advantages and disadvantages. Many say that coffee can reduce the risk of diabetes, treat headaches, and

even lower your chances of cavities. The biggest disadvantage is that many people can become

addicted. There are also many harsh chemicals that are bad for you in coffee, other than just the caffeine.

What are the environmental, cultural, and human rights concerns, if any, concerning this resource?

By growing the coffee, it can threaten destroying land. Coffee has to grow a certain way, so it

relies on large amounts of chemical herbicides and pesticides. When we import the beans,

we are also importing the residue and potential health problems.

What is the industry doing to address these concerns?

Many companies are now distributing chemical-free coffee. They go through many

different cleaning and purifying procedures to make this possible.

Resources

• www.ezinearticles.com/?Where-Does-Coffee-Come-From?-From-Bean-to-Cup!&ie=847369

• www.coffeeresearch.org/market/usa.htm• www.alive.com/1378a4a2.php?subject_bread

_cramb=643• www.swisswater.com