7.2.2008 8:48 AM

Your Starbucks Closing? Try These Coffees

Fair-Trade Coffee Now Widely Available

A Starbucks in downtown Boston.

Photo: AP Photo / Elise Amendola

By Dan Shapley

If the news about Starbucks closing 600 stores made you spit out your cinnamon dolce frappuccino all over the morning paper, take heart. There are alternatives.

Starbucks, North America's largest purchaser of fair-trade coffee, helped introduce some customers to the ethical and environmental decisions inherent in their choice of caffeinated beverage. Now, even Sam's Club has followed suit.

When you buy coffee that is fair-trade certified, you know the farmers who grew the beans were paid a fair price, are provided much-needed credit and are given technical assistance, such as help in making the transition to organic growing.

So if your Starbucks is closing, try these alternatives.

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