Possible Pitfalls
Like any human activity, growing chocolate has its challenges. What are the particular obstacles? In the case of the main cocoa bean producers around the world, the main environmental impacts are as follows.
Deforestation
One of the main negative impacts, and not only related to chocolate production, is the need for agricultural land. This is obtained through deforestation and the clearing of rainforests in particular.
Although chocolate can have a positive effect on human health, it must not be produced in a way that harms human health from the other side.
Child Labor
Another major impact on the environment we live in is forced child labor. This is a particular problem for African and South American cocoa bean producers.
International organizations are therefore advocating that children should not be forced into chocolate production as cheap labor.
Unfair Trade
A third major negative environmental impact is the unfairness often associated with the purchase of the basic raw material for the production of popular chocolate. The aim is that the producers and manufacturers themselves should be paid fairly and adequately.
To this end, some governmental and non-governmental organizations have set up various certificates to ensure fairness in the production of a given type of chocolate.
The Effort Is Rewarding
If we are to fairly assess progress in reducing the impact of chocolate production on the environment in which we live, then we must conclude that progress is being made. The initiative, which has even involved Britain's King Charles III, has resulted, for example, in the aforementioned labeling by certificates.
Another piece of good news is that more than 12 major global chocolate producers have already signed up to the joint cocoa growing targets, and more are joining in.
FAQ
How does chocolate production harm the environment?
The article names three main impacts: deforestation, forced child labor and unfair trade. The need for farmland is met through deforestation and the clearing of rainforests in particular.
Where is child labor a problem in cocoa production?
It's a particular problem for African and South American cocoa bean producers. International organizations advocate that children shouldn't be forced to work in chocolate production.
How can you tell if chocolate is fair and eco-friendly?
Look for certificates that guarantee fairness, such as Fairtrade Foundation, Rainforest Alliance Certified, UTZ Certified or EU Ecolabel. Governmental and non-governmental organizations set them up.
Is the chocolate industry improving?
Yes, progress is being made. More than 12 major global chocolate producers have signed up to joint cocoa growing targets, and more are joining.
Ecochocolate
How do you know if chocolate is "eco-friendly" and fair to people and the environment? On many products sold in the Czech Republic, you may come across certificates guaranteeing the fairness of the product.
These are mainly "Fairtrade Foundation", "Rainforest Alliance Certified", "UTZ Certified" or "EU Ecolabel" certificates.
