There's nothing cozier than a warm cup of hot chocolate during the chilly winter months. However, there's a dark side to the chocolate industry, and I'm not talking about yummy dark chocolate. According to Green America, "Cocoa is a $16 billion a year industry, but the average annual revenue the cocoa farmers receives is between $30 and $110 per household." A 2010 report by The State Department's shows that young children are being traded as labor for West African cocoa plantations and furthermore, Global Exchange notes that at least 284,000 children are involved in abusive labor conditions in West Africa’s cocoa fields. Hot chocolate becomes a lot less cozy when you imagine little kids slaving and being abused to make that cocoa you're enjoying. Plus, consider all the chemicals and icky stuff added to many conventional hot chocolate mixes, and well, you may want to switch to organic apple cider. However, you can still enjoy this winter treat with your family and make a difference at the same time. Green America reports that certified Fair Trade chocolate has given over 42,000 cocoa farmers in West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas a decent price for their crop. Going Fair Trade is a sure way to make sure that hot chocolate you're sipping isn't causes turmoil for another family. Making homemade Fair Trade hot chocolate doubly protects you, because you, and only you decide what goes into your hot chocolate, and more importantly, your family. Read on to learn how to make a delicious homemade hot chocolate brew, that's also a little more healthy for your family this winter.
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