Berea Coffee & Tea goes Green

        In the summer of 2007 we began the process of
"Greening" our store.  We started working with an          
environmental non-profit agency in Boston known as 
the G.R.A. or Green Restaurant Association.  Through an
extensive inventory of our products and facility
assessment , we were assigned four initial steps to
accomplish before we were inducted into the G.R.A..  Our initial steps were a comprehensive recycling program, faucet flow restrictors, composting and recyclable food containers. In November of 2007 we reached our goal.  We had gained certification as a "green" Restaurant and to date have completed 16 steps inside of the organizations guidelines on being "green" and environmentally sustainable.  Kentucky's first "Green" coffee shop. 

            May 1, 2008 we had our "Green" party and it was a most auspicious occasion.  We revealed not only our full line of compostable & biodegradable to go items, but also revealed new staff uniforms, coffee mugs, travel mugs, coffee labels and bumper stickers.  It also  was announced that our entire line of coffees was now 100% Fair Trade organic.   

            We finished off the day by hosting a local band on our backdoor patio surrounded by many of our friends, family and patrons.  That day marked us as the first certified green coffee shop in the state of Kentucky.  Visit the g.r.a. website for more information on our achievement.