Buying fairtrade couldn’t be easier and it really does make a difference to the lives of farmers around the world.

This is because it makes farming more sustainable through the payment of a Fairtrade Premium. The premium is then invested in business and community projects so that farmers are better able to keep up with rising production costs and household expenses.

All you have to do is go out and buy the stuff!

To give you an excuse I’ve put together a simple (and delicious) recipe using fairtrade chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 200g fairtrade dark chocolate
• 200g fairtrade white chocolate
• 50g dried apricots (finely chopped)
• 10g freeze dried raspberries

Method:

1. Melt the dark chocolate and the white chocolate separately in heatproof bowls over simmering water, stirring as you go.
2. Remove the chocolate from the heat once completely melted.
3. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
4. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto one tray and the melted white chocolate onto the other using a spatula to form an even layer.
5. Wait a couple of minutes before lightly drizzling the trays with any remaining chocolate to make a patterned effect.
6. Sprinkle with the apricots and raspberries.
7. Leave to set in the fridge for at least two hours.
8. Break up the bark into pieces using a sharp knife and enjoy!

Although I used Green & Blacks in this recipe there are plenty of other ethically sourced chocolates to choose from.

Why don’t you experiment with some of the following and let me know how you get on?

My favourites:

1. Green & Blacks White Chocolate Bar £2.19. Photo credit: Green and Blacks.

2. Divine Orange Milk Chocolate £2.39. Photo credit: Divine. 

3. Waitrose Dark Chocolate with Raspberry and Blackberry £1.60. Photo credit: Waitrose.

4. Cocoa Loco White Chocolate Lemon Drizzle £2.99. Photo credit: Cocoa Loco.