Your email can put the coffee industry on the spot

Every day, millions of people across Europe drink coffee without knowing it may contain toxic substances.

An independent investigation by our partners at Coffee Watch found that 1 in 5 cups of coffee sold in Europe contains residues of toxic pesticides - including chemicals that are banned for use in the EU. While European farmers cannot use these pesticides, they are still being used to grow coffee that ends up on our supermarket shelves.

This week, the European Coffee Federation (ECF) is meeting in Brussels. It represents over 90% of Europe's coffee imports, making it one of the most influential voices in the industry. That's why this is the perfect moment to ask them some questions.

What should be in your email?

Write in your own words. The most powerful emails are personal, respectful, and genuine.

You could ask the ECF:

• Why does coffee sold in Europe still contain residues of pesticides that are banned in the EU?

• What concrete steps do the Federation and its member companies take to stop these pesticides from being used in coffee production.

• How they plan to protect the health of coffee-growing communities and the ecosystems where these chemicals are sprayed.

• Whether they will meet with WeMove Europe and Coffee Watch to discuss practical solutions ahead of International Coffee Day.

How to make your email impactful

• Introduce yourself with your name and where you're writing from.

• Be polite and respectful throughout your message.

• Explain why this matters to you personally - as someone who drinks coffee, cares about health, or believes products sold in Europe should meet the same standards we expect from European farmers.

• Keep it short and clear. A few thoughtful paragraphs are enough.

• End by asking for a reply and encourage the Federation to meet with our partners and us right after International Coffee Day (1st of October).

Every respectful email makes it harder for the industry to ignore this issue. Together, we can push for cleaner coffee and greater transparency.