Are you an eco-friendly or green type, are you a human activist, or organic minded? Have you wandered the isles of the supermarkets aimlessly looking for a better choice for your Halloween sugary and chocolaty treats? Why not participate in Fair Trade Trick or Treating this year!
The Cocoa industry often traffics children to work as slaves, according to UNICEF (The United Nation's Children's Fund), 200,000 children in West Africa alone, are living in conditions of forced labor and slavery on cocoa farms. By supporting companies who do not profit from labor servitude you not only ensure that you are purchasing free and fair goods, but are one step closer to helping to end modern slavery. Fair Trade Trick or Treating will allow you to not only do the ‘right thing’, but also give you an opportunity to educate others, especially children, about human rights issues, such as child labor and modern slavery.
Passing out Fair Trade treats to all the little witches and goblins is not the only way to bring light to a worthy and just cause this Halloween, you, and/or your kids, can also participate in the Ran initiative of Global Exchange reverse Trick-or-Treating campaign. This is a great activity do with groups young and old; why not start it on your campus, with your class, church group, social club, or even with your sporting group. The chocolate is attached to a card with information about social and environmental justice issues in the cocoa industry and how buying Fair Trade certified chocolate provides a solution. There is no reason not to as Reverse Trick-or-Treating kits are free, thanks to the generous donations of Fair Trade chocolate companies; Equal Exchange, Alter Eco, Theo Chocolates, and La Siembra (in Canada), all you have to do is pay the cost of postage. This is a great way to raise awareness about the importance of fair trade with little upfront costs. And if you cannot get a kit, then why not make your own, or just pass out a flyer as you trick-or-treat your way around town.
By promoting and purchasing Fair Trade this Halloween you will be helping to:
END poverty among cocoa farmers
END abusive child labor in the cocoa industry
PROMOTE Fair Trade
PROTECT the environment
Here are a few options to obtain Fair Trade chocolates in mini sizes this Halloween, if you cannot find them in your local stores:
The Equal Exchange minis that have been attached to the Reverse Trick-or-Treating kits are available in various quantities, such as; 12 oz bags or 8.82 lb. case.
Dagoba, and SERRV International also offer smaller-sized chocolates that may be appropriate for trick-or-treaters.
Divine chocolate is having a SALE on their milk chocolate foils (3 bags for $15!)
Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store
Pure Fun Confections offers a variety of products including; cotton candy, candy canes, pinwheels, and lolly pops.
Sencha Naturals has great green tea mints and bars.
The Candy Blog also listed additional fairtrade items and a few stores in California.
For other companies that sell full-sized Fair Trade Certified bars, baking chocolates, cocoa mix, and more, check the National Green Pages.
If you are in the DC Metro area you can also visit either of the Ten Thousand Villages shops:
– 915 King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia (nearby King Street Metro) – (703) 684-1435
– 4959 Elm Street, Bethesda, Maryland (nearby Bethesda Metro) – (301) 718-3465
