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Mother Nature Comes First

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By LOIS KINDLE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2007

Updated: 11/26/2007 09:11 pm

RIVERVIEW - Two years ago, Joey Papa and his wife, Nikki, got into holistic living and becoming more conscious of the effect of their choices on the world.

The journey began when they learned they would have their first child. What they learned in preparation for natural childbirth sparked an evolution in their thinking, which not only changed their home life, but also influenced the lives of others.

"One thing led to another," Papa said. "We began reading about toxins in the home and foods, and about stress factors in the way we live."

As the manager of Sumatra Coffee Co. in Riverview, Papa, 28, looked at the changes his family made and decided to bring those practices to his workplace. In mid-October, the coffee bar began offering all-natural and organic products.

"We're also in the process of eliminating foods with hydrogenated oils and artificial ingredients," Papa said. "The milk we use in our lattes is hormone-free; we offer fair-trade coffees and organic teas, chai and soy milk. We even changed the recipe of our blended coffee drinks to be all-natural and partially organic."

"It's great to have a healthier option, and the prices are really good," said Riverview resident Daniella Maglione. "I don't know, but I don't think there are any other coffee shops offering these alternatives."

"I just started going green, and I'm big about it," said Rachel Vincent, as she stood in line to purchase a copy of "Going Green" by Greg Horn, the former chief executive officer of GNC.

Vincent said she has changed to using more environmentally friendly light bulbs, cloth grocery bags and eating some organic foods when she can afford them. "I think any business going green makes sense."

"Why eat chemicals, when you can eat naturally," Papa said.

He is talking with a St. Petersburg baker who makes vegan and organic pastries. Instead of artificial sweeteners, he offers Stevia, which is derived from herbs.

Once a month, Sumatra hosts a free health and wellness seminar by Brandon resident Sandra Combs. The topics have been on Ridding Your Home of Toxins, breast cancer awareness and Why Choose Organic?

Combs is a stage four breast cancer survivor, who partnered with Papa to increase community awareness about lifestyle choices and disease prevention. The seminars have drawn crowds of 15 to 30 people.

Papa also began recycling plastic, paper and cardboard at the coffee shop.

"We're not educating people to become extremists," Papa said. "We want them to know so they can make small changes."

"The green thing is fine," said Jimmie Winters of Riverview. "My 11-year-old son, Brandon, is really into it. I'm not a coffee connoisseur, so I come in primarily to support the community. There are six or seven of us that meet every Friday."

In addition to coffee beverages and teas, Sumatra features bagged whole-bean or ground coffees that are preservative-free and roasted weekly on site; fresh-baked bagels, pastries; breakfast and specialty lunch sandwiches, and free Wi-Fi.
SUMATRA COFFEE CO.

WHAT: Coffee bar offering an assortment organic and all-natural products

WHERE: 13330 Lincoln Road, Riverview

HOURS: 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday.

INFORMATION: (813) 671-6875 or www.sumatracoffee company.com

TERMS TO KNOW

ORGANIC: Products certified by the USDA to be grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or radiation.

ALL-NATURAL: Foods without artificial colors, flavors or petro-chemical additives.

FAIR TRADE: Fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade that aims at ensuring sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged food producers around the world.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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