UCLA Senior Practicum Project x Jones Coffee Roasters

Eight passionate seniors from UCLA’s Environmental Science program are excited to work alongside three devoted advisors to collaborate with Jones Coffee Roasters. Chuck Jones came and spoke to UCLA’s Environmental Science seniors and in his presentation he asked an impactful question, “Why is the system broken and what does it take to make it work?” How would a sustainably-run family farm that treats and pays its workers well, protects native plants, encourages biodiversity, and emphasizes sustainability throughout the supply chain, not only exist but thrive in a market centered around mass-producing capitalistic endeavors? In a nutshell, how does the little guy win?

As a team, we will analyze existing sustainability practices, planning, and reporting, throughout Jones’ supply chain, from root to roast. This senior practicum project gives these eight students the opportunity to gain real world experience in the environmental field, allowing each student to find their area of focus and interest within the larger project of sustainability in coffee farms and coffee retail. Various areas of interest in research include community impact/engagement, sustainability gaps, eco-labels and their impact on market consumption or product quality, and safeguarding biodiversity hotspots.

We are enthusiastic to research this important question and fight for the little guy in the coffee industry,  along with all the people who contribute to making Jones Coffee who they are. We are excited to see the progress of sustainability and to understand the balance of community and coffee ecology, from root to roast. Soon enough, all other coffee companies will be eager to keep up with the Joneses. Please donate to our mission and help us make this impactful project a reality. 

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