Raise your hand if you’re a chocolate addict! You can’t see me, but my hand is raised. Have you noticed the dark brown chocolate bars with the beautiful photographs of animals on them? Yep, that’s Endangered Species Chocolate. Tod Dalberg, the Director of Brand and Marketing, spoke with me and educated me on two topics that are near and dear to my heart: endangered animals and Fair Trade cocoa! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Endangered Species Chocolate was started in the early 1990’s by someone who had a passion for quality chocolate but also wanted to focus on conservation and sustainability. Nearly 30 years later, the company is producing chocolate that is sold in stores nation-wide and is supporting two amazing organization: Rainforest Trust and Wildlife Conservation Network are empowered by the generosity of ESC to save our rainforests and endangered animals.

In this conversation, Tod explains what being an endangered species means and shares the jaw-dropping statistic that, in the past 50 years, over half of the animals species have become extinct. Tod also shares that, not only are animal populations being devastated, but so are our rainforests. Two things about these problems - 1) they can mostly be attributed to humans, and 2) they require action on our end to make a change. Protecting the habitats protects the animals which ultimately protects YOU and ME. Get educated, start conversations, engage your policy makers, and stay involved!

The second half of Tod and I’s conversation is all about Fair Trade. What Tod shares will get you thinking about the labor behind the food you’re eating. Supporting Fair Trade means that you are supporting sustainability for farmers lives and their land. AND, the best part is, it’s not much more than you would pay for uncertified cocoa! Tod will compel you to become a more conscious consumer - by doing so, you are making a real difference in the lives of men, women and children. This is serious stuff, but buying quality cocoa can make a world of difference. I know what you’re thinking - what a fun way to make a big difference!

Listen to what Tod shares. He is wise, and he shares a lot of relevant information that all of us humans really need so that we can live more consciously. And then, go get you some Endangered Species Chocolate!

Links from the show:

Endangered Species Chocolate:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/

Rainforest Trust:

https://www.rainforesttrust.org/

Wildlife Conservation Network:

https://wildnet.org/

Information on palm oil deforestation:

https://www.rainforest-rescue.org/topics/palm-oil

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo App:

http://www.cmzoo.org/index.php/conservation-matters/palm-oil-crisis/

Information on Endangered Species Act and lobbying in DC:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/washington/

ESC 2017 Impact Report:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/docs/doc_esc_ir_2017.pdf

Information on Fair Trade and Premiums:

https://www.fairtradecertified.org/why-fair-trade

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/What-is-Fairtrade/What-Fairtrade-does/Fairtrade-Premium

Article on child labor in cocoa industry:

http://fortune.com/big-chocolate-child-labor/

Start with Why by Simon Sinek:

https://startwithwhy.com/books/

Tanya Menon’s Ted Talk:

https://www.ted.com/talks/tanya_menon_the_secret_to_great_opportunities_the_person_you_haven_t_met_yet?language=en

Toms Shoes:

https://www.toms.com/

Toms Roasting Co:

https://www.toms.com/toms-roasting-co

Vineyard Vines:

https://www.vineyardvines.com/

Chance to win the TRIP OF A LIFETIME sweepstakes:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Connect with Todd:

Facebook and Twitter: @EndangeredSpeciesChocolate

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.chocolatebar.com/