20 million Americans will buy sweets and flowers for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, these tokens of love aren't really as sweet or pure as they are presented to be. Over 40 percent of the world's conventional chocolate, which includes non-organic and non-Fair Trade, comes from Africa's Ivory Coast. This is the exact area where widespread instances of child slavery have been reported by the International Labor Organization and US State Department. The millions of bouquets that will be given are commercial flowers, most of which are produced in countries such as Colombia, and are unfortunately the most toxic and heavily sprayed agricultural crops on Earth. Poorly paid workers in Third World countries put in up to 18 hour work days to supply the global market, for poverty wages during peak flower buying times such as Valentine's Day. But don't let the bad news squelch your Valentine's plans. Show your love by choosing Fair Trade and organic flowers and chocolate for your Valentine's Day gifts.
There are other healthy options that also help those in need. Try Fair trade organic chocolate from the Humanity Unites Brilliance Global Marketplace.
