There is a tremendous problem with the chocolate industry today--> namely, that over 40% of the world's chocolate is harvested through CHILD SLAVE LABOR... kids who have been stolen from their homes and forced to work a very dangerous job, without pay, all day every day.
The percentage, I believe, is higher for US chocolate companies, most of whom have not made any kind of REAL commitment to stopping the problem.
One thing that we can do, however, is to commit during the big candy-selling holidays (Halloween, Valentine's, Christmas and Easter) to buying ONLY FAIRLY TRADED CHOCOLATE--- cacao harvested on small farms cooperatives that sell directly to specialized manufacturers, ensuring that farmers are fairly paid for their work. (The "Fair Trade" label is a third-party organization that ensures farms are adhering to these standards.)
We (Amy and Josh) will be placing our orders for our Trick-or-Treat candy next week... for anyone who wishes to do the same, LET US KNOW, and we'll order everyone's chocolate at the same time!!
For more information, and for something to show your friends so that they can get in on the ordering as well (or, so you/they can order chocolate for yourselves), visit
(**OH, and by the way... if you're thinking "sounds nice, but it'll probably be too expensive"--- it's NOT! 150 mini chocolate bars cost only $24! And since the chocolate is organic, too, it TASTES WAY better than your typical Hersheys mini.)
