Something to Think About

In an effort to reduce some of what sucks in the world, I buy fair trade chocolate. The reason: a picture I saw a few years ago.  It showed a young boy, about ten years old with the muscles of a body builder, but very empty eyes. He was a chocolate slave in Africa. He had been trafficked, stolen from his family to harvest cocoa. Sadly, this young man had never even heard of chocolate, nor had he ever been to school. Sorta took the joy out of chocolate for me. I know that I may be reducing the joy of chocolate for you too (my apologies) but modern day slavery is a huge problem, an estimated 200 million are in fact enslaved. How many work for you?  If you buy chocolate, cotton and coffee they do. Many are children. The good news is that fair trade chocolate and coffee are available. Yes, I know the price is higher..but you can reduce the level of suck in the world by buying them. Starbucks and most organic chocolates are fair trade. Hershey’s says that it is making an effort. We will see.  Newman’s is for sure slave free chocolate. Enjoy your fair trade goodies and know that it helps the world.

A video: warning it could break your heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD85fPzLUjo