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Original poster

*****Reflect for a moment on the horrific irony of feeding our own dear children chocolate treats made with cocoa produced by child slaves*****

48 replies

Astrophe · 26/10/2007 15:30

I know its been said before on here, but it really struck me today, how dreadful it is. I was thinking specifically about buying chocolates for my kids Christmas stockings...

Stop Traffik is a site which has lots of information and lists of all the fairtrade chocolate brands - there are so many, there really is no excuse.

And here is a link to Ethical Super Store, which sells so many varieties of Divine fairtrade chocolate.

We are all keen to help other MNers out at Christmas (which I think is wonderful), but heres another thing we can do to take care of others this Christmas. Choose to buy fairtrade only. Place a big order and stock up...you know you want to!

Please keep this bumped.

Astrophe.

OP posts:
Original poster
Astrophe · 26/10/2007 15:47

bump

OP posts:
OozingSlashesFromTigerFeet · 26/10/2007 15:52

It bothers me too, Astrophe, although I will admit to hypocritically still buying "normal" brands

Saw a programme about Fair Trade a while ago. I can't remember exact information but it would appear that it may not be as fair as we had hoped - there is a lot of covering up going on

Nevertheless I do try and get Fair Trade brands if I can, in the hope that it is doing some good

The Co-op is good for choccy and wine

ivykaty44 · 26/10/2007 17:16

Can you get fair trade Gold aswell?

BroccoliSpears · 26/10/2007 17:30

You're quite right. I shall instigate a fair-trade only rule for chocolate in this family.

Pannacotta · 26/10/2007 17:43

You can also buy fair trade cocoa if you make your own choc treats/cakes etc.
Agree the Coop is a good source of fair trade chocs and Divine do a fair trade choc Advent calender - I bought one in Lakeland this week....

Original poster
Astrophe · 26/10/2007 19:01

evening bump

OP posts:
Original poster
Astrophe · 26/10/2007 22:26

and another...

OP posts:
Original poster
Astrophe · 26/10/2007 22:40

and another bump - is it the thread title? I'm not very good at making them attention grabbing...

OP posts:
totallyfreaky · 26/10/2007 22:45

will think twice in future.

totallyfreaky · 26/10/2007 22:45

is thier a list of chocolate bars to avoid anywhere, as I would find that easier to remember?

totallyfreaky · 26/10/2007 22:46

there, not thier.

Original poster
Astrophe · 26/10/2007 22:47

I think basicly anything that doesn't specificly say Fair Trade and have the symbol unfortunately. I'm sure they're not all bad, but you can't be sure. Check out the Stop Traffik site, they have lots of info on there.

OP posts:
goingfriggincrazy · 26/10/2007 22:50

Co-op do alot of chocolate products which are fair trade.
I find it easier to just always buy fairtraded chocolate,tea,coffee.

Nestle is a big no no in this house.

goingfriggincrazy · 26/10/2007 22:50

and Cadbury's just taste like pants so no big thing in not buying that crud.

Earthymama · 26/10/2007 22:51

It does help with cutting down on choc if you live in back of beyond, well, Welsh valley village, as there is no concept of Fair Trade in our shops!!

I've been doing this for about 4 months, I enjoy my choc treats far more now as I don't eat it without thinking.

I feel odd about talking about it in RL, though as I feel as though I'm being very 'righteous'.

I'll bump for you!

I guess the title makes people feel guilty, when I've tried to bring up 'isshoos' no-one takes any notice, but I'm not in with the in-crowd

goingfriggincrazy · 26/10/2007 22:54

Rubbish at links but..

www.allthingseco.co.uk/

totallyfreaky · 26/10/2007 22:55

this

totallyfreaky · 26/10/2007 22:57

So everything nestle is produced by child slaves? in that case I promise to stop using coffee mate in my coffee as of now!

alyblackcat · 26/10/2007 22:58

Yes, FT choc only here too.

Luckily the dcs are big G&B fans (as I am).

Have bought the divine Advent C too, although it's a shame it isn't a more childfriendly picture.

Original poster
Astrophe · 26/10/2007 22:58

I know what you mean earthymama, about mentioning things like this in RL. I don't want to make people feel bad, but then, on the other hand, if thats what it takes...well...?

It was a friend who is passionate about FairTrade and social justice issues in general, who really made me sit up and take proper notice of this issue, and it did make me feel awkwrd at the time, but I think I deserved to feel awkward, because I was being unthinking.

OP posts:
Original poster
Astrophe · 26/10/2007 22:59

alyblackcat, not al G&B is fair trade - only the MayaGold Disappointing hey.

OP posts:
totallyfreaky · 26/10/2007 23:02

Who's responsible for allowing these products into the country? (as I assume there is no child slavery in Britain) is it the government?

alyblackcat · 26/10/2007 23:03

My MIL runs a fair trade stall at her church/fetes but still used to buy normal coffee (Nescafe too - don't get me started!!) as she didn't like the FT one she had tried.

I bought her every type of FT jar in Waitrose and tought her how to make a cup of instant properly (not boiling water) and she soon gave under the pressure!

It is just unthinking though, rather than a refusal for most people - I think people feel so insignificant and powerless, how could a jar of coffee/choc bar/banana make any difference?

goingfriggincrazy · 26/10/2007 23:05

Astrophe I think your post is a good 'un,people just dont think about foreign produce and the people(and children) behind its process.Well done you for posting!

Don't get me started on chicken production in the UK and abroad *sighs

totallyfreaky · 26/10/2007 23:05

Oh my god, nescafe too!!

oh god, I must be keeping a whole factory in work
I have a lot to learn before my next supermarket trip