| Be a better person, eat fair trade chocolate |
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I am always trying to find ways to be a better person, more aware, more a part of the solution and less judgmental. It makes my time in this endeavor so much more efficient to keep in mind that the most powerful tool that I have beyond the voting booth is my wallet. (And, yes, I do well up when I cast my ballot knowing that there are still women in this world who do not have this right!) Making change with my change purse is a simple way for me to play on the right team. It is why I was intrigued 2 years ago when I met the (then) GM of Cadbury at a Bullfrog Power event. I was happy to hear that this company chooses to use Green Energy in its office and factory. Hmm, good corporate citizens, perhaps I will look a little closer at my treats. But still, where did the chocolate come from? I became well aware that my rights as a voter weren’t the only ones to be coveted when my 10 year old told me all about “slave children” picking my cocoa beans after seeing some movie in grade 5. Sometimes it takes the kids to rattle the cage. That in mind, exciting news came across my desk this week. This same company that believes in saving the planet also chooses to go the extra mile in ensuring that their cocoa is certified fair trade. Yes, sir, ma’am that Dairy Milk bar frequently hidden in my husband’s pants pocket will contain the Transfair stamp as of 2010. Not only will they pay the premium to obtain this internationally recognized third party nod, they will also invest in social dollars for the farmers in Ghana so they can actually plan their crops, know how much money is coming to them and build their community. I am still not saying eat two chocolate bars a day, mind you. I am saying if you choose to have a treat (and I do believe that humans must indulge in chocolate for chocolate sake and yes darker is better but, c’mon live a little) why not vote with your dollars? It feels good to know that some kid can go to school because I couldn’t make it through the gas station without my Dairy Milk Bar. You’ll see it on every Dairy Milk bar everywhere come the New Year. See? Being a better person gets easier and easier every day. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " /> |
