(and Why You Should Go Green with Your Treats)
If you’ve ever wondered what fuels the UK during the festive season, the answer isn’t just mince pies and mulled wine—it’s chocolate. Buckets of it. The British are obsessed with the sweet stuff at Christmas, so much so that if you stacked all the chocolate eaten in December, it could probably reach the North Pole. (Not scientifically verified, but you get the point.)
Let’s talk numbers. Brits reportedly spend over £1 billion on chocolate at Christmas, devouring everything from advent calendar morsels to entire selection boxes before breakfast. On average, we manage to polish off around 24 chocolate treats each during December. That’s enough to give the nation’s dentists heart palpitations.
But it’s not just about eating—it’s tradition. Advent calendars? A daily excuse to eat chocolate disguised as festive fun. Selection boxes? Essential stocking stuffers. And those chocolate oranges? They’re basically a government-mandated Christmas requirement. Chocolate has become so integral to the holiday that skipping it might actually cancel Christmas.
Unfortunately, there’s a not-so-sweet side to our favourite festive indulgence. Here’s why you should consider swapping your usual treats for sustainably sourced alternatives:
Much of the cocoa used in mainstream chocolate comes at the expense of rainforests, particularly in West Africa. That means every bite of unsustainable chocolate might as well come with a logging soundtrack. Sustainable chocolate brands, however, support farming methods that keep forests standing (so Santa’s sleigh can have a scenic route.
2. Labour Woes:
Ever wondered who picks those cocoa beans? The answer isn’t always cheerful. Unsustainable cocoa farming often involves child labour and shocking working conditions. By choosing chocolate certified by Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance, you’re ensuring that farmers are treated better than Ebenezer Scrooge treated Bob Cratchit.
3. Eco Footprints:
Chocolate production is a sneaky contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable brands are tackling this with eco-friendly packaging and reduced carbon footprints. Think of it as saving the planet and having your Christmas cake (or chocolate) too.
4. A Better Brew:
Sustainable chocolate tastes better. OK, that might not be scientifically proven, but knowing your sweet treat isn’t ruining lives or ecosystems certainly makes it more enjoyable. Plus, many ethical brands give back to cocoa-growing communities by funding schools and healthcare projects.
The good news? It’s easier than ever to go green without giving up your favourite festive indulgence. Look out for:
- Fairtrade Supporting fair wages and ethical working conditions.
- Rainforest Alliance: Prioritising environmental protection.
- B Corp: Identifying brands doing the right thing for people and the planet.
This Christmas, let’s eat, drink, and be merry—without causing havoc halfway across the globe. Sustainable chocolate lets you enjoy the holiday spirit while keeping your conscience as clean as freshly fallen snow. And let’s be honest, it’s nice to know your Christmas chocolate hasn’t come at the expense of forests or hardworking farmers.
So, stock up on ethical advent calendars, swap your usual chocolate orange for a Fairtrade one, and enjoy the season with a sprinkle of responsibility. Who knew saving the planet could be so delicious?
This Christmas, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to chocolates that not only taste good but also do good? More and more British brands are stepping up to make sure their festive treats are not only delicious but sustainable too. One standout example is Divine Chocolate, a Fairtrade-certified brand that is owned by cocoa farmers, ensuring that the people behind the cocoa get a fair deal. Another great choice is Chococo, a UK-based artisan chocolatier known for its handmade chocolates sourced from ethical cocoa producers, with a strong commitment to sustainability. Happiness Parcels chocolate is proudly made with Cocoa Horizons certified cocoa. This ensures that their cocoa is sustainably sourced and that farmers are paid fairly. Even better, Happiness Parcels is made in the UK, reducing its carbon footprint while supporting local businesses. By choosing these brands, you can indulge in delicious chocolate while making a positive impact on the planet and the people who produce it.
So this Christmas, why not enjoy a little extra sweetness—and a lot more meaning—by choosing consciously crafted chocolates?
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