Coffee Tools Distributing on its commitment to the environment, the sustainable organisations it supports, and how small contributions can make a difference.
Equipment specialist Coffee Tools Distributing believes sustainability is key to preserving the world we live in.
Company Director Curtis Arnold is focused on creating a healthy company that can survive in the coffee industry and contribute to the greater good of the planet.
“In addition to our sincere concern for our world, we believe in a fair and ethical coffee trade – not just for the farmers who grow the coffee we enjoy but also for their families and the communities they live in. Coffee is the source of what we do at Coffee Tools Distributing and is an essential part of the lives of the people who work here,” says Curtis.
“For these reasons, we have chosen a handful of not-for-profit organisations to support who we believe are making a significant difference to the issues that are close to our hearts.”
Coffee Tools Distributing is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through everyday actions. Each year, the company donates 1 per cent of its total sales to approved sustainable organisations.
“Joining 1% for the Planet enables us to partner with organisations entirely focused on solving some of our greatest environmental challenges. By harnessing the power of business and the vision of these not-for-profits, together we can make a lasting positive impact,” says Curtis.
The company also donates to Gondwana Rainforest Trust, previously known as Rainforest 4 Foundation. This charity focuses on rainforest protection, conservation, and regeneration in Australia and Southeast Asia.
“The organisation is dedicated to safeguarding the future of the world’s rainforests by implementing conservation programs to purchase, protect, and restore endangered rainforests and indigenous wildlife,” Curtis says.
“They help mitigate the devastation climate change is causing by saving and regenerating more forest cover. Each square metre of forest their donors buy back to protect mitigates climate change, and ensures biodiversity is not lost to development.”
To reduce food waste, Coffee Tools Distributing also supports OzHarvest, a food rescue organisation with a driving purpose to nourish the country. It saves surplus food from ending up in landfill and delivers it to charities that help feed people in need.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our ongoing partnership with OzHarvest. The organisation is committed to halving food waste by 2030, inspiring and influencing us to do the same. We hope to help OzHarvest continue to make a positive impact, both for our planet and for those in need,” says Curtis.
When on the lookout for new suppliers, Curtis tries to find companies that have similar attitudes towards the environment and sustainability.
“Even if the products themselves are not specifically reducing waste or having a positive impact, we like to work with companies that are conscious of these issues and trying to operate sustainably themselves,” he says.
One of those companies is GROSCHE, a social enterprise that uses coffee equipment to fund safe drinking water systems for people in need.
“We’ve recently added a new line of GROSCHE water bottles. The Yukon Insulated Coffee Tumbler range is the latest addition to GROSCHE’s line-up of quality coffee and hydration gear, designed with a greater purpose,” Curtis says.
Made of stainless steel, the bottles are triple wall vacuum insulated and dishwasher safe. Featuring a clear leak-proof sip lid, generous size options (20 ounce and 32 ounce), and car cup-holder compatibility, Curtis says the Yukon range is the ideal vessel for any beverage on-the-go.
“Every Yukon purchased supports GROSCHE’s Safe Water Project, which gives community members in remote and poor locations access to safe drinking water by installing Biosand water filters. The project currently impacts communities in South Sudan, Uganda, Malawi, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines,” says Curtis.
“We share a similar ethics of putting the environment first. Coffee Tools Distributing is grateful to contribute to the Safe Water Project by distributing GROSCHE’s products here in Australia.”
Curtis is also eager to continue the company’s partnership with CafeSmart, an annual event organised by StreetSmart Australia, which raises funds to support Australians affected by homelessness.
“Sponsoring CafeSmart is something I’m really excited about. I’m looking forward to our participation this year, raising awareness, and taking action against homelessness,” he says.
Due to its ever-growing product line, Coffee Tools Distributing has moved into a bigger warehouse and office space in Brisbane, Queensland, just 700 metres from the original space it outgrew. As the company continues to expand, Curtis says there’s one aspect that will remain the same: its commitment to the environment.
“Our new warehouse has a massive 23-kilowatt solar installation, ensuring we’re harnessing energy in a sustainable way,” he says. “Even small actions get noticed and can influence others to act. Specifically for the coffee industry, we need a healthy environment for coffee to grow. Anything we can do to help, we will.”
For more information, visit coffeetools.supply
This article appears in the June 2024 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
