Contemplating Chocolate…

I can’t remember the first time I tried chocolate. However, there’s a photo of it: me on my first birthday with a chocolate cupcake I had smashed on my face. Delight is tangible on face, although it’s hard to discern whether that’s from the cupcake or the act of smashing it. Either way, chocolate is something we generally associate with pleasure, especially in American culture. It’s not something we eat to sustain our bodies, it’s something we eat for the pure pleasure of taste, to celebrate a special occasion, or treat ourselves after a long day. The contemplative practice on chocolate urges you to think about the chain of commodities behind chocolate – to think about the labor (and to some degree, the suffering) that was invested for a single bar of chocolate. In this sense, a contemplative practice has equal power to be peaceful as it does to be disturbing. It’s easy to be a blind consumer, after all, a lot of businesses are not seeking to empower you. It’s not like the food you buy at the store or the coffee you drink says, “Made in exploitative conditions!”, it’s on the buyer to look for the fair trade certifications and hope that they mean what they say, often at the expense of a few extra dollars. 

However, there are many intricacies of fair trade, and none of them are particularly clear without further research. After doing the contemplative practice, I felt inspired to look at another product I use everyday (tea) to see how equitable it was. I saw a lot of little labels on my boxes of tea, a “fair trade label”, a “certified b corporation”, “quality assurance international”. But what do they mean? In class, we have read and discussed how the individualization of food and environmental responsibility can lead people to believe they are making a difference without actually working towards any political change. The little labels we choose to read or not read urge us towards a similar end. The reality is I can buy my certified fair trade organic peppermint tea that was produced in Sri Lanka and still have no idea what that really means or what conditions it was really produced in. I may feel I did the ethical thing but I also bought a Nestle Candy and who knows what conditions that made in. 

My overall point is we are global consumers, and it’s hard for us to know where our products come from and how ethical that is. On an individual level, we can work towards understanding the sources of food, but there’s not going to be actionable change until there is more consistent transparency in our food system.

15 thoughts on “Contemplating Chocolate…

  1. In World of Warcraft, the Dragonflight is an awe-inspiring spectacle, where majestic dragons soar through the skies, weaving tales of ancient power and glory. Adventurers flock to witness these magnificent creatures and earn their favor. For those seeking to explore the wonders of the Dragonflight or needing assistance in their endeavors, Gamingcy’s WoW Boost service offers invaluable support. Join the flight and embark on an unforgettable journey at https://gamingcy.com/en-us/wow-boost.

  2. World of Warcraft PvP brings an exhilarating dimension to the game, pitting players against each other in intense battles of skill and strategy. Whether engaging in epic battlegrounds or dueling in arenas, the thrill of competition is unmatched. For those seeking to dominate the PvP scene, https://worldofboost.net/wow/pvp offers expert assistance. With their guidance, players can hone their skills, climb the ranks, and emerge victorious in the ever-evolving world of Warcraft PvP.

  3. World of Warcraft dungeons immerse players in thrilling adventures, filled with challenging encounters and valuable treasures. From classic dungeons to the latest Mythic keystones, each offers a unique experience for adventurers. For those seeking assistance in conquering these formidable trials, WorldofBoost.net provides expert dungeon carry services. With their support, navigating the depths of Azeroth’s dungeons becomes smoother, leading to triumphant victories and unforgettable experiences. Embark on your dungeon crawl with WorldofBoost.net at https://worldofboost.net/wow/mythic-dungeons.

  4. In the vast world of World of Warcraft, Mythic Keystones are the ultimate test of skill and teamwork. These challenging dungeons push players to their limits, offering exhilarating encounters and prestigious rewards. With Gamingcy.net’s Mythic Dungeons services, adventurers can tackle these daunting trials with confidence, knowing they have the support they need to emerge victorious. Ready to embark on a thrilling journey? Explore the depths of Mythic Keystones at https://gamingcy.net/en-us/product/mythic-dungeons and uncover untold treasures today.

  5. For those looking to dive deeper into the World of Warcraft experience and truly challenge themselves, I highly recommend trying Mythic Plus runs. These high-stakes dungeons offer not only thrilling gameplay but also the chance to earn some of the best in-game rewards. If you’re looking to enhance your runs or need a helping hand to get started, consider buying a boost from Gamingcy. Their team of professional players can help you navigate the complexities of Mythic Plus dungeons, ensuring a successful and rewarding experience. You can check out their Mythic+ carry tonight without much waiting.

  6. I fully understand the significance of reflecting on the origins of our products and the ethical considerations surrounding them. It brings to mind my approach to gear in Destiny 2, where I often contemplate how it’s obtained or its lore background. On a related note, for those looking for a boost in Destiny 2 to overcome challenging missions or raids, there are excellent websites like OMGGamer that can enhance the gaming experience. Making informed choices is key, whether it’s about our daily products or our beloved games!

  7. MMOs are also great games for developing skills and thinking, especially Wow, in which you can come up with different tactics for fighting monsters while completing mythic+ carry, depending on changes in the balance of the game.

  8. The dependence of the cost of goods on the supply chain has always worried the global manufacturers, which is why they are trying to locate factories in those regions where taxes, wages, large air or sea ports are lower for quick transportation to neighboring regions or countries, in order to reduce the cost of products and conquer the market . The same applies to the video industry, take the example of WoW WotLK gold, a dozen professional sites are engaged in this function and are trying to divide the market among themselves in certain services.

  9. Rolex ha sempre affidato al proprio centro di ricerca il compito di essere all’avanguardia nei materiali e nella tecnologia: non sorprende che nel 1985 sia stata la prima casa orologiera a scegliere per i suoi segnatempo l’acciaio 914L, audemars piguet replica un tipo di lega Special con ottima resistenza e lucentezza.

  10. Thank you, sawyerbe, for such an insightful article. Your musings on chocolate not only took me down memory lane but also shed light on the often overlooked ethical aspect of our consumption habits. Like you, I’ve found myself pausing at labels, trying to decipher their true meaning and the implications of my purchase choices. Your mention of the contemplative practice highlights a critical aspect of consumption: the responsibility that comes with awareness. In today’s globalized world, it’s indeed a challenge to trace back the origins of every product we consume. It reminds me of a link I stumbled upon recently: https://gamingcy.com/en-us/wow-carry/raids/amirdrassil-the-dreams-hope, which offers a unique perspective on WoW Dragonflight Season 3 raiding. We often get so engrossed in the immediate pleasures that we forget the backstory. I wholeheartedly agree that while individual efforts are commendable, true change can only come from systemic transparency and responsibility.

  11. I totally get the importance of contemplating where our products come from and the ethics behind them. It reminds me of how in Destiny 2, I sometimes consider the gear I use in terms of how it’s acquired or its lore background. Speaking of which, if anyone needs a Destiny 2 boost to tackle those tough missions or raids, there are some awesome services like wowvendor out there to make the game more enjoyable. It’s all about making informed choices, whether it’s in our everyday products or our favorite games!

  12. I appreciate the author’s reflective journey from contemplating chocolate to examining other everyday products like tea. It’s a wake-up call for all of us to question the origins and ethics of what we consume regularly. The issue of transparency in our food system is indeed a significant challenge, and it’s something that both consumers and businesses need to work on collectively. This article encourages us to be more mindful consumers and advocates for greater transparency and fairness in the products we rely on.

  13. This article brings up such an important point about the hidden complexities behind the products we consume daily. It’s true that many of us, myself included, often turn a blind eye to the origins and ethical considerations of what we buy. The example of fair trade certifications and labels is particularly striking because it highlights how even when we think we’re making ethical choices, we might not be fully informed. It’s a reminder that as consumers, we need more transparency and information about the products we purchase, and it’s also a call to action for businesses to be more upfront about their supply chains and labor practices.

  14. The company is headquartered in Geneva and manufactures watches in Neuchâtel, Switzerland using both movements manufactured in-house and movements manufactured by ETA S.A.
    Panerai watches, designed and manufactured by Rolex SA, played a role in assisting the frogmen of the Decima Flottiglia MAS in their operations during World War II. Notable products include the Luminor and Radiomir wristwatches.https://www.orologilusso.eu/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *