Fair Trade: Because People Are Animals, Too

I’m not a coffee drinker, but my dark chocolate consumption is beyond healthy. While coffee seems to be the most recognizable fair trade product, anything (i.e. cocoa) can be fair trade, from wine to soccer balls. Any item made with the aim to get its producers a fair wage and better working conditions while promoting sustainable practices can be certified as fair trade.

I’m new to the fair trade scene, so I have lots to learn, I’m sure, but I have started choosing fair trade items in earrings, teas, sugar, soaps, and (of course) chocolate. I don’t always find a fair trade logo, but go for labels that say “fairly-traded” on them.

My favorite “fairly-traded” product line is Rescue Chocolate . This company gives all of the proceeds to rescue, too, and is inspired by pitbulls, which I can relate to.

A cheaper and more convenient chocolate option is the $1.99 dark chocolate bar I find in the checkout aisle of Trader Joe’s–I may carry this in my purse at all times.

I’m making the shift, and I’m doing it because if farmers, artisans and workers do better and have an environmental consciousness, even the animals win–at least on the fair trade vegan products.

Tell me about your fave fair trade!

Photo credit: Adam Fagen via Flickr