TUCSON, Ariz. — When Bonnie Vining opened Javalina's Coffee & Friends, a coffee shop with a green philosophy, she changed the Tucson java scene into something extraordinary.

Vining opened Javalina's on the southeast side of Tucson four years ago with the intent to provide Tucsonans with a different kind of coffee shop. She delivers live music, a philanthropic attitude and an eclectic atmosphere to each customer personally.

Right out front of Javalina's sits one of its most interesting quirks, a bin that reads "Free Grounds for Your Garden."

Vining said she uses a low-acid coffee bean in all her many types of brews called Poddy Coffee.

This type of bean is great for compost piles and many neighborhoods around southeast Tucson use Javalina's grounds in their gardens, Vining said.

"Having a locally owned coffee shop that does good for the environment near so many large businesses is nice," said James Ramsey, a Raytheon employee and Javalina's customer. "I would much rather support a mom-and-pop than Starbucks."

Javelina’s eco-friendly philosophy doesn’t stop at providing compost for neighbors. Customers are also encouraged to use ceramic mugs if they’ll be drinking their coffee in the store to save paper.

Providing is just in Vining's nature. She is constantly donating anything she can to anyone who needs help.

For example, Vining donated coffee and snacks to Habitat For Humanity volunteers building houses for victims of 9/11.

A Habitat for Humanity employee nominated Vining for a Ben's Bell, a humanitarian award based in Tucson given to people who commit sincere random acts of kindness. Vining was awarded the Bell and said she was elated and honored.

"A lot of people were excited that Bonnie receive the Bell," said Melissa Lopez, an employee at Javalina's. "She's just a really good person."

Lopez, who has been working at Javalina's for the past year, said that business has also improved since Vining received the Ben's Bell.

Live music can be heard most nights of the week at Javalina's. Both local and traveling musicians play at the coffee shop.

As far as upcoming events, the Desert Bluegrass Association is putting on a night of bluegrass music at Javelina’s.

"It's rare to find live music in coffee shops in Tucson," Lopez said. "It gives the whole shop good morale."