Greener Shopping: Candy

Since Halloween is around the corner, I thought I'd share a little research on candy companies and their effects on the environment. Halloween Candy is big business, over $6 billion in sales annually in the United States alone!

The Better World organization researches and grades companies on their overall social responsibility to our planet. 

Their grading system is based on years of research and accumulated from multiple sources. Here's a summary of the meaning of their grades.

A = feel the company offers environmentally and socially responsible options for their customers.
B = companies making significant progress in turning toward more people/planet friendly behaviors.
C = feel these companies have mixed environmental and/or social responsibility records.
D = strong evidence that the company is involved in practices that have significantly negative consequences for humanity and the environment.
F = companies engage in some of the most degrading environmental and social conditions and practices.

So, where does your favorite candy rank?

A
Glee Gum
Pure Fun Organic
College Farm Organic
St. Claire's
Woodstock Farms


B
Ginger People
Reed's
Haribo
La Vie
Panda
Cadbury

C
Almond Joy
Andes
Charm's
Good & Plenty
Heath
Hershey's
Jolly Ranchers
Kit Kat
Mounds
Reese's
Tootsie Roll
Twizzlers
York
Almond Roca
Mamba
Mike & Ike
Red Vines
Riesen
Werther's

D
3 Musketeers
CremeSavers
LifeSavers
M&Ms
Milky Way
Skittles
Snickers
Starburst
Twix

F
After Eight
Butterfinger
Daim
Lafft Taffy
Nestle
Nips
SweeTarts
Trolli
Wonka

I try to vote with my dollars and only purchase from companies that have a C grade or better. I was disappointed to learn my favorite Snickers & Twix were graded a D, but happy Haribo was graded a B.  I LOVE Haribo gummy bears! :)

I find that most A graded companies (in all shopping categories) aren't always commonly available. Whole foods and health food stores seem to carry more of these A options.  Online shopping is also an option for easy purchasing.  Many of these candy companies offer free shipping and special promotions, and buying in bulk is not only cheaper but it uses less packaging materials.

You can also promote a healthy Halloween by giving out alternatives to candy like pencils, stickers, party favors, temporary tattoos, or trading cards. We give out both since we don't have a large budget for Halloween.

Happy Halloween,

Bee
The Wooden Bee
inspired to recycle wood (and vote with my dollars)
www.thewoodenbee.com