What’s in Your Coffee? Deforestation, Labor Abuse, and the Fight for a Better Brew with Etelle Higonnet of Coffee Watch

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 worldwideHow monoculture and pesticide use threaten ecosystems and worker healthWhat’s really behind “fair trade” and other certifications—and why they fall shortHow Coffee Watch is using investigations and strategic litigation to fight backWhat simple actions you can take to drink more ethicallyWhether 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 SocialsInstagram @xoxofarmgirl Dana DiPrima, For Farmers Movement & OBIEFacebook For Farmers Movement & OBIE🎙️ The OBIE TeamDana DiPrima, host and producerSonia Dhillon, co-producer & editorRussell Chapa, sound engineer, original musicOne Bite is Everything is a proud part of Heritage Radio Network, home to the most influential voices in food. ⏱️ Timestamps to Key Content00:00 – Cold open: What’s really behind your coffee02:10 – Meet Etelle Higonnet: from Greenpeace to Coffee Watch07:12 – The surprising link between coffee and deforestation12:30 – Shade-grown vs. monoculture: what’s the difference?16:00 – Why coffee is soaked in highly hazardous pesticides21:45 – What decaf drinkers really need to know25:10 – Certifications decoded: what the labels don’t tell you33:20 – The ghost farms, human trafficking, and loopholes behind "ethical" coffee38:50 – What Coffee Watch is doing differently45:15 – Laws, petitions, and pressure: what’s actually working49:30 – One action you can take with your coffee tomorrow52:10 – Becoming an OBIE Insider and why it matters53:00 – Final thoughts: hope, action, and eating like it matters