Chocolate Chips :: slave-free

So, last week I decided to start a journey...

Each week I want to choose a product that I consume on a regular basis and seek to find companies that sell this product with a slave-free labor process. In Randy's and my studies on Christian Ethics and pursuit of justice in a holistic sense, rather than merely boycott companies that are known to have unethical standards, we are trying to support those that are working hard to keep high ethical standards. (Positive reinforcement, anyone?)

Some ways of finding these *safe* products are to look for key words on the packaging like:

*Direct Trade*
*Fair Trade*
*Slave-free*
*Free Trade*

Of course, as with any system, there are those companies who carry these labels without complete adherence to the guidelines, but for those of us who are new to the whole idea of being more aware of how our buying can be a part of the modern-day slavery that goes on (i.e. child labor, unfair wages, unhealthy work environments, etc.), this is a good place to start.

This week, I chose one of my favorite food items: Chocolate Chips.

I love baking with Chocolate Chips, eating a handful when I have a craving for sweets or chocolate, and melting them for chocolate-dipped wonderfulness (strawberries, pretzels, etc.)...

After some research this week, I have concluded that the following are *good* companies to look for when you purchase these delightful morsels:

*Guittard (can be bought through Amazon; or their company website)

*Sunspire (can be bought through Amazon and sometimes at other stores like Wal-Mart)

*Divine Chocolate (sold at Coffee By the Books (Fuller bookstore); in Orange at Third World Gifts and Handarts; or online at the LWR[Lutheran World Relief] website)

*A place you can often find Fair Trade and/or Direct Trade products is your local Whole Foods. See their special "Whole Trade" featured items to help you know which companies are working towards an ethical business model.

Enjoy eating some slave-free chocolate this week!