All blog writing and quotes, images done in - house by Pono Cocoa Limited
The Journey Begins
Welcome to the "Big Chocolate" Challenge! For the next 60 days, we're on a mission to transform our chocolate consumption habits, one bite at a time. This challenge is more than just about enjoying your favorite treat; it's a commitment to making informed decisions that respect both people and the planet. Together, we can end the era of forced labor in cocoa production and celebrate the rich, diverse history of chocolate that's intertwined with Black history.
But it won't be easy. This article and your BRAND NEW community, can't wait to help you on your journey. But, also, you can eat as MUCH chocolate as youo want, or even more chocolate than ever! It just has to be free of exploitation.
How to Participate
Participating is simple but impactful. Join us as we embark on this journey of discovery, learning, and better chocolatey goodness than ever before. Here's how:
Register: Visit the "Big Chocolate" Challenge and drop a piece of contact info or name so we know your taking the challenge with us!
Resist Cravings: You can remove, give away or hide all your chocolate produced by exploitation from eye-sight or you will crave it. Typically they have the most sugar or even corn syrup..
Buy Slave-Free Chocolate: You won't have to resist any cravings. Ever.
Week 1: Awakening your Deepest Chocolate Instincts
Day 1: Chocolate's Deep Roots
Discover how chocolate history is deeply connected to Black history and why our choices matter. Ethical chocolate consumption starts with understanding the origins and impacts of our indulgences. Check out the history in our blog here!
The Learning Curve, aka Mistakes
The first week of the "Big Chocolate" challenge is a significant step in the journey towards ethical chocolate consumption. It's a time when participants confront the reality of the chocolate industry and embark on a steep learning curve. Here's what participants can expect during this crucial week; lots of chocolate! Just don't cheat. How? Allow yourself to make mistakes! Literally, no one, is perfect. And yes, our phone batteries and device are fueled by child-labor; cocoa has the "worst-forms" of child-"slavery", out of anywhere in the world.
Its the worst issue in our entire global supply chain. And its been hidden and suppressed since its inception. So, yes you are guilty of a crime even if you don't know the doing thing was illegal. So yes, we are 100% allowing this to happen as a society. We ARE responsible.
The Chocolate Withdrawal: In the initial days of the challenge, participants face the physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms associated with giving up chocolate. Cravings for familiar chocolates, candies, and treats may be intense. Some may experience mood swings or feelings of deprivation. This. is from chemicals and additives, corn syrup is basically a chemical as it is almost always GMO. The following days, participants will realize they could have been eating child-slave free chocolate this whole time!!!
Learning About Exploitation: As participants begin their journey, they delve into the sobering reality of chocolate production. They learn about the prevalence of child labor and unfair labor practices in cocoa farming, particularly in West Africa. This eye-opening experience is a stark reminder of why the challenge is essential. It's too much. We aren't focusing on the most negative and darkest parts of our collective economy. Lets keep it light and only talk about torture, slavery, exploitation and abuse in cocoa. Thats. It.
Exploring Alternatives: To cope with chocolate cravings, participants explore ethical and slave-free chocolate alternatives. They research and seek out chocolate brands that prioritize fair trade, sustainable sourcing, and ethical labor practices. This introduces them to a new world of chocolate options. This blog is talking about you!
"Ethical does not mean child-slave free in the chocolate industry"
Supporting Each Other: The "Big Chocolate" Challenge community plays a crucial role during the initial phase of the challenge. Like, explaining what "Big Chocolate" is...Participants connect with one another for support, sharing stories of their struggles and triumphs. This sense of community helps them stay motivated and encourages them to persevere. Get the engagement you need, in the facebook event, for your challenge!
Building Awareness: Week 1 is about raising awareness within participants' social circles. They start conversations about the challenge with friends, family, and colleagues, explaining why they've chosen to give up chocolate produced by exploitation. These discussions help spread awareness about the issues in the cocoa industry. Discuss in the comments as well if you like!
Educational Resources: Many participants begin educating themselves about the cocoa industry. They read articles, watch documentaries, and access resources that provide in-depth insights into the conditions faced by cocoa farmers and the impact of ethical chocolate consumption. Want more articles? Check out the blog on this Certified Slave-Free Craft chocolate makers page.
Setting Personal Goals: During the first week, participants set personal goals and intentions for the challenge. These goals may include raising awareness, discovering new ethical chocolate brands, or simply completing the 60-day commitment. Having clear objectives helps ya stay focused...See you at the chocolate-tasting!
Celebrating Small Wins: Week 1 is marked by celebrating small victories. Resisting chocolate cravings, discovering new favorite ethical chocolate brands, and experiencing solidarity within the "Big Chocolate" community are all achievements worth acknowledging.
The first week of the "Big Chocolate" challenge is a pivotal period of adjustment, learning, and determination. Participants navigate chocolate withdrawal, gain knowledge about ethical chocolate, and start spreading awareness about the importance of their commitment. It's a challenging but essential step on the path to making a positive impact in the cocoa industry.
Your commitment makes a difference.
Week 2: Deepening Our Connection
Day 14: Nurturing Ethical Roots
Two weeks in, we delve deeper into the ethical sourcing of chocolate, exploring how every cacao pod and chocolate bar can be a force for good. Whether you want it to or not.
Learning and Discovery: Understanding the social and environmental issues associated with chocolate production becomes a motivating factor. Just don't get distracted by other adjacent issues like deforestation. If we end child-slavery, the deforestation will follow. We don't want the Old-Growth African rainforests burned down. We are firmly against it.
Exploring Alternatives: Participants may begin exploring a wider variety of pono (righteous) and slave-free sustainable chocolate options. This could include experimenting with different brands, cocoa percentages, and flavor profiles to find alternatives that they genuinely enjoy. And, they may fail. But its okay! Fail as many times as it takes to make the change
"One vision, of a child-slave free cocoa supply chain, looks like thousands of new small-scale craft chocolate makers across the region."
Planning Ahead: Towards the end of the second week, participants often start planning for potential challenges they may face in the coming weeks. This could include social gatherings or stressful situations where chocolate cravings may resurface. Having strategies in place helps maintain commitment. Check out this Certified Slave-Free Hawaiian craft chocolate subscription!
Celebrating Progress: Week 2 is also an opportunity to celebrate your achievements so far. You've made it through one-third of the challenge, and you've already made a significant impact by supporting ethical chocolate. Take a moment to acknowledge your commitment and resilience. Congratulations! The Pono Cocoa Board is very proud of all the participants. Week 3: Halfway to Success - Sharing and Connecting
In the third week of the "Big Chocolate" challenge, participants are not only celebrating their personal achievements but also embracing the power of sharing and connecting with others. Here's a closer look at how participants experience this pivotal week:
Sharing Success Stories: As participants reach the halfway point, they have inspiring success stories to share. These stories can serve as motivation for others who may be considering taking the challenge or are already on their journey. Sharing stories of overcoming cravings, discovering ethical chocolate brands, and experiencing personal growth can be incredibly empowering.
Connecting with the Community: The "Big Chocolate" community continues to grow stronger. Participants connect through social media groups, forums, and virtual meetups. This sense of community provides a platform for sharing tips, challenges, and encouragement. It's a place where participants know they are not alone in their commitment.
"Face the Cravings! Even with slave-free chocolate!"
Celebrating Together: Midway through the challenge, many participants organize virtual celebrations. These gatherings allow everyone to come together, share their experiences, and enjoy some ethical chocolate treats. It's a time to reinforce the sense of camaraderie within the community.
Inspiring Others: Participants recognize that their commitment to ethical chocolate consumption can inspire others to do the same. They take it upon themselves to educate friends, family, and coworkers about the issues surrounding cocoa production. Social media becomes a powerful tool for spreading awareness.
A Call to Action: Week 3 serves as a call to action for participants to share their experiences and the "Big Chocolate" challenge itself. They are encouraged to use their social media platforms, blogs, or local communities to spread the message of ethical chocolate consumption. This can include:
Posting about the challenge, its impact, and the importance of ethical cocoa sourcing.
Sharing informative articles, documentaries, or resources related to cocoa sustainability.
Encouraging others to join the challenge and make a commitment to give up chocolate produced by exploitation.
Participants are encouraged to use the official hashtag, #BigChocolateChallenge, when sharing their journey on social media.
Virtual Chocolate Tasting Event: To mark the halfway point and inspire more people to join, participants are invited to promote the upcoming virtual chocolate tasting event scheduled for the end of the challenge. This event is an opportunity to celebrate their collective impact and enjoy ethical chocolate together. Week 4: Empowering the Movement - Taking Action Beyond Chocolate
In the fourth week of the "Big Chocolate" challenge, participants transition from personal commitment to collective action. Week 4 focuses on empowering the movement and taking action beyond chocolate consumption. Here's how participants have made a broader impact:
Advocating for Change: As participants continue their journey, they become advocates for ethical cocoa sourcing. They actively reach out to chocolate manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers, urging them to prioritize fair trade practices and sustainable sourcing. Through letters, emails, and social media campaigns, they raise their voices to demand change in the industry.
Fundraising for Cocoa Communities: Inspired by the impact they can have, some participants organize fundraisers to support cocoa-growing communities in West Africa. They collaborate with organizations that work towards improving the living conditions and education opportunities for cocoa farmers and their families.
Planning for the Future: Week 4 is a time for participants to reflect on the impact they have made during the challenge. They start planning for how they can continue supporting ethical chocolate consumption beyond the 60-day commitment. This may involve setting long-term goals and establishing ongoing habits.
Continuing the Dialogue: The conversation around ethical chocolate consumption doesn't end with the challenge. Participants commit to keeping the dialogue alive by engaging in discussions, sharing resources, and encouraging others to take the challenge.
Preparing for the Grand Celebration: As the challenge approaches its conclusion, participants eagerly anticipate the grand celebration that will mark the end of their 60-day journey. This celebration is a testament to their collective dedication to making a positive change in the cocoa industry.
Motivational Words
"Every piece matters." "Changing chocolate, changes life". "Black History is chocolate history". "Together, we can change the world, one chocolate bar at a time." "#BigChocolateChallenge"
Tools and Techniques for the Next Half
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal of your experiences and the ethical brands you discover?
Educational Resources: Utilize our e-booklet and website for guidance on identifying slave-free chocolate.
Community Support: Join our Facebook event for daily encouragement and to share your journey with fellow challengers.
What Happens After 60 Days: Celebrating a HUGE Success
As we conclude our 60-day journey, it's time to celebrate our collective achievements and the positive impact we've made. Our celebration will be as sweet as the cause we support:
Online Chocolate Tasting Event
Slave-Free Chocolate: Sample a selection of ethically sourced chocolates from around the world.
Interactive Experience: Engage with chocolate experts and fellow participants in a live tasting session.
Continuing the Journey: Learn how to maintain ethical chocolate consumption beyond the challenge.
Conclusion: A Movement Beyond Chocolate
The "Big Chocolate" Challenge is just the beginning. Our choices have the power to influence industries, uplift communities, and protect the environment. By choosing slave-free chocolate, we contribute to a larger movement towards ethical consumption and social justice.
Join Us
Ready to make a difference? Visit ponococoa.org to download your free e-booklet, "How to Buy Slave-Free Chocolate" and give up chocolate (produced by exploitation) today. For support and to connect with our community, join our Facebook event. Together, we can change the world, one chocolate bar at a time.
This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide and motivational tool for participants of the "Big Chocolate" Challenge, providing them with the necessary resources, encouragement, and information to make ethical chocolate choices and celebrate their progress in a meaningful way. Thank you for reading and see you in the FB group!