12 Coffee & Tea Habits to Cultivate in 2008
January 1, 2008 by Marye Audet
Filed under Habits
Today is list day for me…12 baking skills to learn, 12 books to read to your kids, 12 projects to finish in the house…
So…in keeping with the theme here are 12 coffee & tea habits to cultivate in 2008.
1. Find a local roaster- it may be difficult depending on where you live but getting your coffee locally will make it so much fresher and more delicious. Most of them will work with you to create a roast/blend that is perfect for your tastes. And, by buying locally you will not only be supporting the local economy but also cutting down on environmental wear and tear from excess transportation.
2. Buy Fair Trade – I don’t always buy fair trade coffees and tea but much of the time I do, and I am trying to increase that percentage. Fair Trade is about paying farmers what they are worth. I would like to see the US implement a domestic Fair Trade Farming & Dairy program because our own farmers should be supported as well. Let me NOT step up on that soapbox.
3. Be Greener- start with these 21 ways to use coffee grounds.
4. Try Local Coffee Shops – Again, support your local economy. If there is a local coffee shop try to at least give them equal time with your Starbucks visits. If they serve cream in powdered form gently suggest maybe the real stuff would be a neat choice. 
5. Learn to taste the coffee. Don’t just get your cup and start pouring in cream and sugar. Slurp in some while it is still black and really taste it. maybe you won’t need cream and sugar, or maybe you will need less. It will depend on the type. Teach your taste-buds to be detail oriented.
6. Get an artisan mug that you love. Take it where ever you go. You will cut down on throw-away cups and besides it’s nice to drink out of a cup you really like.
7.Learn the difference between high tea and low tea
8. Have an afternoon tea or coffee break with a tiny but exquisite pastry.
9. Share the tradition of having tea with your children, regularly. Even my 4 year old loves a good cup of tea and a small pastry while sitting and chatting. It doesn’t have to be a full blown tea party!
10. Have tea in a tea room with all the trimmings at least once every couple of months
11. Try a tea or coffee that you have never tried before at least once a month.
12. Read Kettle and Cup Daily for great ideas and to keep my self esteem at a positive level.
# 12 will be easy to do.
I have a friend that I go out with once a month to do something special. Yes, we see each other 2-3 times a week, but we make plans to do something we wouldn’t normally do each month. I think I am going to suggest high tea for next month. That sounds like fun!
Ginger of all the people i know you deserve it.
I didn’t know you could use coffee grounds for fertilizer. I’ll have to try that with my dad’s tomato plants. I can do 3, 5, and 12. I want to do 6, but I never know how coffee places would charge you.
Carla- Normally they charge you less because they dont have to buy the styrofoam ones OR washt he ceramic ones