Most of us think of coffee as a comforting ritual or a morning jumpstart. But behind your daily cup of Joe may be a very different reality—one that includes deforestation, toxic pesticides, child labor, and even slavery. In this powerful episode, Dana DiPrima sits down with Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch and longtime human rights and environmental investigator, to unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes in the global coffee industry. Together, they explore why coffee—despite its friendly image—is one of the most destructive commodities on Earth, how certification labels often fail to protect workers and ecosystems, and what you can do (without giving up your coffee) to demand better. What you'll learn in this episode: Why coffee is the #6 driver of deforestation worldwide How monoculture and pesticide use threaten ecosystems and worker health What’s really behind “fair trade” and other certifications—and why they fall short How Coffee Watch is using investigations and strategic litigation to fight back What simple actions you can take to drink more ethically Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious brewhead, this episode will make you see your coffee differently—and might even change how you drink it. 🌐 Learn more about Coffee Watch : https://coffeewatch.org/ Support the Show 📩 Become an OBIE Insider : Stay connected, get behind-the-scenes updates, and explore more ways to eat and drink like it matters. Here's the link to sign up. 🎧 Liked the show? Leave a 5-star rating and review to help us bring you more incredible guests and conversations. Top reviews on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or you can leave your review here . 📱 Screenshot this episode and share it on your socials! 🏷️ Tag @xoxofarmgirl + #OneBiteIsEverything 📱 Connect on Socials Instagram @xoxofarmgirl Dana DiPrima, For Farmers Movement & OBIE Facebook For Farmers Movement & OBIE 🎙️ The OBIE Team Dana DiPrima, host and producer Sonia Dhillon, co-producer & editor Russell Chapa, sound engineer, original music One Bite is Everything is a proud part of Heritage Radio Network , home to the most influential voices in food. ⏱️ Timestamps to Key Content 00:00 – Cold open: What’s really behind your coffee 02:10 – Meet Etelle Higonnet: from Greenpeace to Coffee Watch 07:12 – The surprising link between coffee and deforestation 12:30 – Shade-grown vs. monoculture: what’s the difference? 16:00 – Why coffee is soaked in highly hazardous pesticides 21:45 – What decaf drinkers really need to know 25:10 – Certifications decoded: what the labels don’t tell you 33:20 – The ghost farms, human trafficking, and loopholes behind "ethical" coffee 38:50 – What Coffee Watch is doing differently 45:15 – Laws, petitions, and pressure: what’s actually working 49:30 – One action you can take with your coffee tomorrow 52:10 – Becoming an OBIE Insider...
