With Valentines Day approaching, many want to gift their partners something to signify their love and show them that they are thinking about them. Chocolate, flowers and jewelry belong to the most bought presents for Valentines Day. However, all three products are often produced under unfair labour conditions, exploiting workers or children while also having a detrimental effect on the environment. While gold and diamond mining is a vital source of income for millions of workers according to HRW, we should not forget about the circumstances in which these workers operate and call on companies to ensure safe and fair working conditions. At the same time, the cocoa industry in known for its high dependence on child labour and unfair wages and working hours, a fact which many stakeholders in the cocoa supply chain have still failed to address.
CSO’s are trying to highlight the importance of being aware about issues within the supply chains of popular products, not only for Valentines Day, but also for other holidays and consumption throughout the year. This does of course not mean that you should not prepare a gift for your loved ones, however, do not forget to buy conciously. Or, even better, try to handmake a card, some baked goods or cook a nice dinner for your partner without supporting unfair labour conditions