Over 58 million pounds of chocolate will be
purchased for Valentine's Day in the
United States alone. That's a lot of chocolate.
But, far across the world, farmers,
workers and tragically, also children,
live on less than $1 per day, working
- and in places, literally slaving- to
grow and harvest cocoa beans
to make your Valentine chocolates.
Chocolate-making at Portland-based Theo Chocolate
Many also are not organically grown, exposing
them to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
More dangerous, are the grueling conditions,
where children work with machetes and
are beaten if they try to rest or slow down. This is
not a made-up fairy tale, but a real life
horror story for over 55 million children.
Learn more on the issue of cocoa and child labor
via Food Is Power.
via Food Is Power.
The sad truth is, some of what were once my favorite chocolate companies, belong to the group
of large companies that have not yet made the
switch away from the ironic tragedy behind our
beloved chocolates; that something so lovely and
delicious could have such dreadful secret
behind it. And to my way of seeing, to ignore it is
to be complicit in it. And I can't do that. Child
slavery is something we can hardly even imagine,
yet it is a tragic reality in many countries.
of large companies that have not yet made the
switch away from the ironic tragedy behind our
beloved chocolates; that something so lovely and
delicious could have such dreadful secret
behind it. And to my way of seeing, to ignore it is
to be complicit in it. And I can't do that. Child
slavery is something we can hardly even imagine,
yet it is a tragic reality in many countries.
Boxed organic Valentine's Day chocolate confections
But all is not lost. You can help and keep your love of chocolate, by making informed purchases
of chocolate, and also other commodities, that originate outside of the United States.
So my 'favorite chocolates' have changed.
No more golden ballotins full of Godiva,
absolutely nothing from Nestle's,
and a lot less Hershey's, too.
But now I enjoy my chocolates even more,
knowing it's better all around; for farmers,
workers and the environment.
And especially, that it did not come to me at the
expense of someone's childhood or make me an
unknowing supporter of child slavery and labor.
of chocolate, and also other commodities, that originate outside of the United States.
So my 'favorite chocolates' have changed.
No more golden ballotins full of Godiva,
absolutely nothing from Nestle's,
and a lot less Hershey's, too.
But now I enjoy my chocolates even more,
knowing it's better all around; for farmers,
workers and the environment.
And especially, that it did not come to me at the
expense of someone's childhood or make me an
unknowing supporter of child slavery and labor.
Lucky for you, it's as easy as
switching your the brand.
You can use this comprehensive
list to choose from.
switching your the brand.
You can use this comprehensive
list to choose from.
If a long list seems like too much work, just buy
from my top 3 favorite chocolate companies;
ones that use the proper fair trade practices to
source their cacao and are produced in the
United States. Most importantly, are also really
well-made and truly delicious chocolates!
from my top 3 favorite chocolate companies;
ones that use the proper fair trade practices to
source their cacao and are produced in the
United States. Most importantly, are also really
well-made and truly delicious chocolates!
Shop my Top 3 Favorite Chocolate Companies
They may become your new favorites, too;
let me know, if you give them a try!
They may become your new favorites, too;
let me know, if you give them a try!
1. Alter Eco
Intriguing bars and truffles, brought to you by the San Francisco, California-based global co-operative.
Intriguing bars and truffles, brought to you by the San Francisco, California-based global co-operative.
Alter Eco's heavenly chocolate truffles
Amazing flavor bars and delightful specialties, and you
can tour their production facility in Seattle, Washington.
can tour their production facility in Seattle, Washington.
A chopped Theo Chocolate amazing 90% cacao bar.
3. Lulu's Chocolate
Raw, vegan, organic, amazing and wonderfully delicious.Currently producing her chocolate for
wholesale from their Asheville, North Carolina facility.
Her indulgent Chocolate Lounge in Sedona, Arizona,
is Lulu's single retail space.
Lulu Louise's extraordinary raw vegan chocolate Love bar.
And here's 2 lists to help you further.
Chocolate companies to buy from -
and which to ditch altogether:
I'm
passionate about chocolate. But I'm also
passionate about doing what's right, about ethics,
organic and ending child trafficking.
Let me know your thoughts on this topic,
and what your favorite chocolates are...
or used to be.
passionate about doing what's right, about ethics,
organic and ending child trafficking.
Let me know your thoughts on this topic,
and what your favorite chocolates are...
or used to be.
Will you give up your old choclate favorites now?
If so, have you found your new favorites yet?
If so, have you found your new favorites yet?
Wishing you a beautiful, romantic,
chocolate-filled St. Valentine's Day!
chocolate-filled St. Valentine's Day!
Live #beaumondebeautiful!
xo♥
stephanie-
