Embedded Files
Chocolate and the Environment
(posted on February 13, 2023)
Chocolate and the Environment
(posted on February 13, 2023)
This Valentine's Day - consider the relationship between your chocolate and the environment.
Chocolate is made from raw cacao beans, which are oftentimes harvested and processed under terrible conditions. Workers are commonly paid low wages, and there are cases in which beans are produced on farms with little to no benefits or workplace protection. Poverty and child labor run rampant. The production of cacao beans is also associated with other environmental issues such as pollution and deforestation.
If you are eager to find sustainable chocolate options, follow these tips:
Sustainability/Certification Labels
These are designed to inform customers, brands, and manufacturers on which products are produced in a sustainable manner. Many are achieved by first meeting certain requirements, and then paying to receive the certification and maintain registration over time. Some common labels for chocolate include: International Fairtrade Certification and Rainforest Alliance Certification.
Direct Trade
In this case, producers and distributors have a direct relationship built on trust. Since they engage directly, there is no need to pay an intermediary and cost savings can be re-applied to improving the quality of the product and conditions for the workers. It also delivers a fresher product. The distributor goes directly to the cacao bean producer, discusses a fair price, and then establishes a long term relationship.
While some products have certification labels, and some do not - neither is better than the other. Key qualities to look for when purchasing sustainably-made chocolate is transparency and traceability. Consider this the next time you're purchasing a box of chocolates for your Valentine!
#OnigiriAction Campaign - In Support of World Food Day
(posted on October 6, 2022)
#OnigiriAction Campaign - In Support of World Food Day
(posted on October 6, 2022)
On October 16, 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded. It was built upon a belief "...that the goal of freedom from want of food, suitable and adequate for the health and strength of all people can be achieved." We honor the founding of this specialized agency by celebrating World Food Day, and support their mission of defeating hunger.
In Japan, we can celebrate World Food Day by participating in the Change the World with Onigiri Campaign!
#OnigiriAction (Oct 6 - Nov 6)
Each onigiri photo entry will provide 5 school meals to children in need!
All you need is a rice ball.
Make or purchase an onigiri (japanese rice ball)
Take a photo with, or of, the onigiri
Post photo to the campaign website, or to social media with the hashtag #OnigiriAction
It is free to enter, and you can submit as many entries as you'd like
Since its launch in 2015, the #OnigiriAction campaign has provided 5.4 millions school meals. The school meals are made possible through partnership with Table for Two (a non-for-profit organization that rights global food imbalances through a unique meal-sharing program.)
Still curious? Read more about:
Books
Fashion
Food
Food Insecurity
Food Shopping
Food Waste
Recycling
Street Clean-Ups
Water
Or - watch to learn - check out this list of sustainable movies.
Learn More: Sustainability at ASIJ
Contact Sustainability Coordinator Yu-Ching Chang at sustainability@pta.asij.ac.jp with any additional questions.
Page updated
Report abuse