Earthrise, taken on December 24, 1968, by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders

photo credit: Earthrise, taken on December 24, 1968, by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders

On December 24th, 1968, the Apollo 8 lunar module became the first manned craft to orbit Earth's moon. As the spacecraft came around the far side of the moon, the earth rose over the horizon of the moon and astronaut Bill Anders captured what has been called the "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken."

Nobody had ever seen the earth from that perspective. At such distance, the many conflicts and perceived differences between factions and nations of humanity were veiled beneath the atmosphere.

Fifty years later, inequality and conflict remain pervasive across economic supply chains around the world. Even while closing distances between consumers and producers with a cup of coffee, the coffee industry is not immune to those challenges.

Engage in a cycle that begins with, and returns to, our partners in coffee-growing regions.The earth is our one home, and humanity’s common ground outshines our differences. We’re inspired by the astronauts' view of our home as a world of one. In the spirit of the Earthrise, Higher Grounds embraces collaboration and human-centered trade to confront the challenges of inequality faced daily by coffee producers. 

For the past two years Higher Grounds has been selected as a B Corp Best of World Honoree with work highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and many other national and international publications. Concordia and the U.S. Department of State recently named Higher Grounds' public-private partnership with the State Department and the Polus Center for Social and Economic Development as one of 5 finalists for the prestigious P3 Impact Awards, which recognize and honor public-private partnerships that improve communities and the world. 

We invite you to join us and claim your own Earthrise moment through our Earthrise subscription or gift box.