Reverence for Life Here, our core value is Reverence for Life, which is modeled after renowned humanitarian Albert Schweitzer’s ethic of the same name. We believe all life is precious and deserving of our respect, kindness and care, and this Reverence for Life ethic is at the heart of each our business practices. Ethically Traded Our cocoa is 100% ethically traded. Philosophically, ethical trade and fair trade are one in the very same. We buy our cocoa from small family-owned properties, helping sustain the habitats and communities they are in. This cocoa is grown in the natural shade of rich, diverse forests. Choosing our chocolate is one way you can help support sustainable forest farmland and the species that flourish there. Since our cocoa is ethically traded, farmers are ensured humane working conditions and a fair price for their cocoa or a fair wage. Our all-natural cocoa grows in Nigeria, where farmers determine a fair price for their own crops. In February 2006, four Endangered Species Chocolate team members traveled to the Ikom region of Nigeria where this all-natural cacao is harvested. While observing ethical trade in action, Endangered Species Chocolate sponsored the provision of school supplies for children and the installation of water pumps for two local villages. Up and through summer 2006, our organic products have been Fair Trade Certified TM through Trans Fair and our organic cocoa has been sourced at Conacado Co-op in the Dominican Republic. Effective this summer, Endangered Species Chocolate will dedicate the dollars previously earmarked for Trans Fair certification to directly support the farmers in the Conacado Co-op, where we will continue to source our cocoa. Our sourcing program will continue to ensure the cocoa farmers in the Conacado Co-op a fair wage.