Thoughtful Consumption At Home in Northern Michigan

In these times when every dollar counts, consumerism has become a reflection of our values. We at Higher Grounds Trading Co. have found ourselves in a region rich with value-driven businesses and, thus,value-driven spending. The people here have formed a supportive community that patronizes purposeful enterprises and participates inmeaningful consumerism. Many recognize that every act of consumption has direct consequence on someone, somewhere – be it a coffee farmer in Bolivia or a clothing manufacturer in Hong Kong.

Thoughtful consumption is good for the world, yes, but it's good for the soul, too. The now-familiar "think global, act local" anthem is alive all over Northern Michigan, as consumers connect with our local farmers, food artisans, entrepreneurs and artists. It's in the fresh artisan bread from Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery in Traverse City – especially when it's slathered with organic jam from Honor-based preserves company, Food For Thought. It's alive in the gorgeous fruits and vegetables grown each summer at family-owned-and-operated CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms. It's alive in the music of artists like May Erlewine and Seth Bernard, whose Earthwork Music collective helps instigate social change.

Like these companies and organizations, Higher Grounds measures successes not simply by our bottom line but by our ability to give back: locally, regionally and globally. We are the only coffee roastery in Michigan to be 100 percent fair trade and organic. This ensures ecologically-friendly agricultural practices and better wages for our coffee-farming partners around the globe. We're also a nexus for grassroots community organizing and fundraising for local and global projects. In 2009, we raised over $6000 for six locally-affiliated nonprofit organizations through the sale of our Coffees for Change line of specialty coffee beans, and $12,000 for the Ethiopia School Project – the money is helping to buy books, classroom materials and lunches for students in the country.

We've also taken major steps to "green up" our everyday business dealings. Beyond recycling, composting and sourcing sustainable office products, we maintain a year-round bike delivery program, which services restaurant, businesses and grocery stores in the downtown Traverse City area. And don't count on getting a mocha in a disposable, landfill-bound cup in our coffee bar – here, "to-go" cups are actually ceramic mugs donated by other patrons, offered free of charge.

We feel so fortunate not only to call the Grand Traverse region our home, but also to be connected to a broad community of like-minded people across the state, country and globe. Along with our friends, neighbors, patrons, wholesale buyers, and others who seek a better world, we're so happy to share this path toward a more sustainable future, helping and supporting each other along the way.

By Chris Treter
Chris Treter is owner and co-founder of Higher Grounds Trading Co.