Make it a green Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner! If you are looking to make your Halloween festivities a little greener this year, then I have some great suggestions for you. Of course we can try to cut down on the trash accumulation and handout raisins or stickers instead of candy. But I have another suggestion to take it a step further by handing out fair trade chocolate or candy. I know we have all heard of the press regarding conflict-free diamonds, gold, etc. I won’t go into details, but the practices used by some countries or companies to mine for these items are dangerous to the people, children and the environment. Well, it doesn’t stop there. Cocoa farmers endure some of the worst situations and are poverty-stricken.

Many cocoa farms use child labor. The U.S. chocolate industry says it is working to end abusive child labor on cocoa farms, but so far little has been accomplished and their plan does not guarantee farmers a fair and stable price. Some large chocolate corporations, like Nestle, have yet to lessen the hardship for these farmers and their families. According to Global Exchange, Nestle USA refuses to sell fair trade chocolate. So I encourage you all to explore some of the fair trade Halloween ideas listed below. You can buy fair trade chocolate just as you would buy fair trade coffee. These items listed below come in bite-size portions perfect for trick-or-treating.

Try Earth Fare or Home Economist for fair trade chocolate. If I recall correctly, they do carry Endangered Species chocolate. Global Exchange’s online store has great deals on fair trade chocolate. It may be a tad more expensive than the usual chocolate but also worthy of a great cause. There are also chocolate gold coins for $3.99 which includes 22 pieces. Endangered Species has 42 pieces of fair trade milk chocolate for $6.72. I saw the usual chocolate at Target for $5 for 50 pieces. Not much of a difference in price.

You should also check out the Global Exchange’s Trick-or-Treat Kit. This is a GREAT idea. The kids still do their normal trick-or-treating but they also do reverse trick or treat. They can exchange candy for information regarding fair trade cocoa. They actually hand out the postcards which give information regarding fair trade. There is also a detachable postcard to send to the World’s Finest Chocolate CEO to encourage them to start offering fair trade chocolate. The kit also includes decorations, an eco-friendly bag, and organic fair trade chocolate pieces. All this for only $16.50! Please visit the link below to see how you can increase awareness regarding fair trade cocoa. Global Exchange also offers materials for teachers to assist with lesson plans and more to really bring the concept of fair trade into the schools to promote a Fair Trade Halloween.

If you aren’t into chocolate, then Yummy Earth has fabulous organic lollipops which you can get at Babies R Us or Amazon. Or even better, you can just pick up some of Trader Joe’s organic lollipops next time you are doing your grocery shopping. You might want to check out Earth Fare or Home Economist for fair trade chocolate. If I recall correctly, they do carry Endangered Species chocolate. Global Exchange’s online store has great deals on fair trade chocolate. It may be a tad more expensive than the usual chocolate but also worthy of a great cause. There are also chocolate gold coins for $3.99 which includes 22 pieces. Endangered Species has 42 pieces of fair trade milk chocolate for $6.72. I saw the usual chocolate at Target for $5 for 50 pieces. Not much of a difference in price.

Check out this site for Green Halloween ideas: www.greenhalloween.org. Remember organic raisins and granola bars are also good alternatives to chocolate.

We hope you have enjoyed these Smarty tips! Have a SAFE and FUN Halloween!

*Don’t forget to register for our Smarty Giveaway from Photosynthesis Photography. They are giving away three $75 gift certificates just in time for the holidays! This giveaway closes at 11pm on Wednesday, 10/22.