Skylark: The World’s First Non-Profit Coffee Brand

Skylark is the world’s first non-profit coffee brand. It pays twice the Fair Trade rate to coffee growers, giving other profits to environmental organisations, and those seeking to stop exploitation in the coffee trade (roasters receive the most profit normally, not the growers).

The company has key artistic support! The poetry on their bags is from Robert Macfarlane and art by Welsh painter Jackie Morris. If you’ve never read it, treat yourself to a copy of their gorgeous book collaboration The Lost Words.

Caffeine and pregnancy

The NHS advises limiting caffeine during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks all contain caffeine. If you choose to drink caffeine, only one cup of either each day, know that many café coffees contain more caffeine than instant coffee. Or none to be safe. 

Disposal of Coffee Grounds

Avoid washing used coffee grounds down the sink, as they can contribute to blocked drains. A sink strainer, such as a SinkShield, can help catch any stray grounds before they enter the plumbing.

Although coffee grounds are often promoted as compostable, they should be binned or placed in food waste bins. Due to caffeine that could harm compost creatures (same with tea leaves).

The same for acidic food scraps (peppers, citrus, rhubarb, tomato and allium scraps – onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives).

Brewed At the Foot of The South Downs

Skylark Coffee roasts coffee at the foot of the South Downs and has a simple aim: make great coffee while creating a fairer system for the people and places behind every cup.

Most of the coffee industry’s profits traditionally stay further along the supply chain, especially with roasters. Skylark’s model is different: they pay coffee growers top specialty prices — twice the Fair Trade rate or more — and donate their remaining profits to charitable projects supporting people and nature.

Their work supports projects including environmental restoration, coffee-growing communities and programmes helping people facing barriers into employment. They also publish their financial information openly, aiming to be transparent about where the money goes.

The name Skylark comes from the much-loved Sussex bird, reflecting their connection to local landscapes and conservation. They also donate towards protecting nature, including work linked to rewilding and biodiversity.