There is love in the air. How about a little love for your planet? Valentine’s Day (February 14th) is the start of the one-month Fair Trade Challenge. This year, challenge yourself to stay away from chocolates and other tropical products made from ingredients that fund civil wars, are produced with unsustainable farming practices using harmful chemicals and pesticides, or under exploitative working conditions. That’s no way to say I love you.

Fair trade is an alternative to conventional international trade in which corporations use the global market to obtain the highest profits while disregarding impacts on workers, their communities, or the environment. Fair trade products are certified to promote fair wages, community development and environmental sustainability. Chocolate, coffee and sugar are some of the most commonly available fair trade products. Fair Trade Manitoba produces an online consumer guide to help you find many fair trade products across Manitoba from bananas to fine wines. Sign up for their challenge and spread some real love.