trick or treat?

Since learning about modern day slavery and how I contribute to it as a consumer in my daily shopping, I have been trying so hard to be an advocate as I shop. I do this by purchasing goods that are 'fair trade' and supporting companies that care about people more than profits. Halloween is around the corner, and regardless of my personal beliefs about this "holiday" (I'll save that for a later post), I'm going to have to get candy if I don't want our cottage to be egged, tee-peed, or have our pumpkins smashed. I recently shared with you about being a "socially conscious consumer", where I pointed you to the Not For Sale Campaign and their reports on Hershey chocolate. So, I went back to their website to see what to do for passing out candy, as I cannot bring myself to buy the bulk bags filled with our favorites, Almond Joys, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Rolos, and such. They are all owned by Hershey (and Hershey owns certain candies of Cadbury). Dang it.

So, there are a couple of things that we (you and I!) can do different this year!

Not For Sale is suggesting that we reverse trick or treat! The idea is to give away fair trade chocolate with an informational tag on it to adults at homes where you (or your kids) trick or treat. You could also distribute it to your friends and family as a way to deliciously create awareness about problems in the chocolate industry. You go, you advocate! Not For Sale is providing the reverse trick or treat kits, so you actually don't have to buy anything! For more information, email Jamee... jamee@notforsalecampaign.org.

As an alternative to buying those slave driver candy bags (which I'm also kicking about), you could purchase chocolate that is certified Fair Trade, such as Theo, Sweet Earth, Divine Chocolate, or maybe Trader Joes and Whole Foods have some stuff already compiled for your trick or treat needs.

It's times like these that I'm bummed that you won't let your kids eat the home made chocolate chip-peanut butter cookies I make or things like popcorn balls. Sure, I get it, my mom wouldn't let us eat unwrapped or home made goodies either, so I understand that psychos poisoning treats is something to be remembered... it just makes being an advocate for slaves a bit harder!

This year for trick or treating, no matter where you are in life, trick them with a treat that will change their world view of consumer products... especially if its at no cost to you! Get that email out to Jamee at Not For Sale requesting your 'reverse trick or treat' kit! Today!


(if a word or cluster or words are a different color in a post, it is because you can click on it for a direct link to what it's about.. such as Until Then .. try it!)