Interpol recently rescued 54 children from slavery in cocoa fields in Cote d’Ivoire. The kids, as young as 11, worked for 12 hours a day in hazardous conditions.

To speak out against problems in the cocoa industry, witches, ghosts and Harry Potters will distribute Fair Trade certified chocolate this year by reverse trick-or-treating, a project started three years ago. When kids receive their Halloween treats, they hand back a Fair Trade treat. The free Fair Trade chocolate kits include Fair Trade certified chocolate attached to a card explaining the issues in the cocoa industry and how Fair Trade offers a solution.

Order your Reverse Trick-or-Treat kit online at Global Exchange. The deadline to request a kit is October 1 for organizations or October 13 for individuals. You’ll be responsible for a charge of $5.50 to cover shipping and packaging. If handing back chocolate isn’t your thing, you can still participate by downloading fliers to distribute from Global Exchange.

When a chocolate meets Fair Trade standards, that means there was no use of abusive child labor. In addition, the cocoa was grown with the environment in mind by farmers who follow extensive environmental sustainability guidelines. Furthermore, farmers are paid a fair price, enabling them to escape poverty.

Major chocolate brands are beginning to address consumer concerns over cocoa sourcing. Cadbury responded by achieving Fair Trade certification for its Dairy Milk chocolate bars in the UK. If your favorite chocolate isn’t Fair Trade, ask them to become certified.

250,000 Fair Trade chocolates were distributed by trick-or-treaters last year! Are you going to be a part of the effort this Halloween?

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Free Reverse Trick-or-Treat Kits

I’ve come across some fun pumpkin posts lately. 

Pumpkins Make Great Serving Bowls — Linette shows you how to turn a pumpkin into a serving dish.

Ten Places to Sleep with a Ghost — Sandy has done her research on a spooky night’s rest.

Fair Trade Halloween: Reverse Trick or Treat! — This is mine from Tree Hugging Family, so check it out while the free kits last.

Howl-o-ween Photo Contest — Heather tells you how to have fun with your pet while possibly helping your local Humane Society.

How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin — Gayla shares her pumpkin-picking expertise.

Green Your Halloween Early – Jennifer unveils a special reusable Halloween bag you’ll love.

Witches Hat Cookies — Linette reveals the mystery behind these pointy treats.

Pumpkin Books for Kids — Mary Emma shares which pumpkins books to read this year.

Are you planning any special fall celebrations?

Image via MorgueFile.

Post from: Blisstree

Get Ready for Halloween