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by Liesl Bradner

Giving your sweetie plain, ole, run-of-the-mill store bought chocolates this Valentine’s Day may give them a stomachache and heartache. Instead, why not surprise them with organic, trade-free chocolates, flowers or gifts this year and fill both your hearts and the world with goodness.

Why purchase organic trade free chocolates you ask? Here’s the standardized answer: Through Fair Trade practices, these chocolates benefit cooperatives and small family farms, allowing for a commitment of social justice as you make a direct contribution to the livelihood of farmer families and workers who support traditional agricultural practices (small scale, shade grown, and chemical free). They own and operate organically grown cocoa and sugar co-operatives in the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and rainforests from around the world. Here’s a quick breakdown of terms –

Fair Trade certified:

• fairer prices for the farmer
• gender equality
• no child slavery
• Diversification to promote economic health

Organic:

• No fumigants used during export.
• Elimination of exposure of children to hazardous chemicals normally used on cocoa
• Sustainable practices & biodiversity

Fair Trade certified chocolate can be found at health food stores and specialty markets across the country. To find a fair trade retailer visit the TransfairUSA website.

Here are some other websites I found that carry a wide variety of Valentines gifts:

World of Good — Here you’ll find the distinctive “Have a Heart” journals which are handmade with 100% wood-free paper from Sanganer, Rajasthan from recycled cotton waste in a chemical free process.

Organic Bouquet – offers a section of organic tulips and roses as well as fair trade chocolates.

This Valentine’s Day there’s no excuse not to try something unique and eco-friendly for that special someone in your life. You can give and share a lot of love at the same time.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 1st, 2008 at 12:33 am and is filed under Valentine's Day. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.