198: Coffee Watch: A Mission for Change with Etelle Higonnet
In this episode, we talk to Etelle Higonnet. She is the Founder & Director of Coffee Watch. A graduate of Yale Law School, she’s an attorney and environmental and human rights activist. She previously worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts.
She was knighted as a Chevalier de l’ordre national du Mérite in her home country of France for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in high-risk commodities with an emphasis on cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cattle, and soy industries. She has worked in over 30 countries, is widely published, speaks 9 languages, and is now dedicated to trying to end deforestation and slavery in the global coffee industry
Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:
[00:00] -Introduction to Etelle Higonnet
[02:52] -The Birth of Coffee Watch
[04:22] -The Dark Side of Coffee Production
[08:27] -Child Labor in Coffee Farming
[15:04] -Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
[18:52] -The Role of Law in Corporate Accountability
[23:56] -Greenwashing and Consumer Power
[34:37] -Impact of Coffee Watch and Future Goals
[47:18] – Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Links from the episodes:
How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee
Where can people find our guest?
Key Takeaways:
- Etelle’s journey into human rights began in Guatemala as a teenager.
- Coffee Watch aims to combat human rights and environmental abuses in the coffee industry.
- Most coffee consumed globally is linked to child labor and deforestation.
- Parents of child laborers want their children in school but face economic obstacles.
- Living income for farmers can eliminate child labor and poverty in coffee production.
- Certifications often do not guarantee a living wage for farmers.
- Consumer demand can drive companies to adopt better practices.
- Greenwashing is prevalent in the coffee industry, making it hard to identify ethical products.
- Law enforcement is crucial for addressing illegal practices in the coffee industry.
- The future of coffee production can be sustainable with consumer awareness and action.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.