Issue Date: February 8, 2009
GreenSmart |
NATALIE ERMANN RUSSELL |
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Sweetly conscientious
This Valentine's Day, choose more environment-friendly, sustainable chocolates when trying to impress your sweetheart. Alisha Lumea, co-owner and chocolatier at CocoaVino (cocoavino.com) in New York City, tells us a few things to look for, beyond just "organic."
Opt for "fair trade-certified." This ensures that farmers earn a fair wage, workers are treated well and some profits go back into the community, among other criteria. For more, go to transfairusa.org.
Choose chocolates made from local ingredients. The cacao beans (what chocolate is made from) aren't going to be local because they aren't indigenous to the United States, but many of the other ingredients -- like dairy products, fruits and nuts -- can be sourced from your area. That saves fuel and supports local farmers. Not sure whether your sweets contain local ingredients? Ask.
What's outside counts. Boxes with recycled paper content and no plastic inserts or plastic coating are better for the environment.
Want to know more about gourmet chocolate gifts? Click here.
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