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Message required As we look towards the future, are sustainable business practices finally becoming the social norm? We are seeing large corporations step up to the plate by making socially and environmentally responsible changes. They are revamping their business practices to meet the problems of tomorrow and moving into a future of sustainability. Although in the past the chocolate industry has received a ton of unfavorable publicity in there approach to environmental impacts, recent news indicates otherwise. In recent weeks, two chocolate giants have made big announcements in how they will play responsibly in the world and set new sustainability standards into motion within their business communities. Mars announced a partnership with Rainforest Alliance that will focus on the production of cocoa, while Cadbury, having impeccable timing, announced right before Easter their partnership with the Fairtrade Foundation. Together, Mars will work with Rainforest Alliance to ensure that all their cocoa farmers are adhering to specific environmental, labor and production standards. In addition, they will collaborate with the farmers to develop a more sustainable crop geared at surviving severe weather conditions. The chocolate giant has aimed for complete infusion of these new business practices to be fully functioning by 2020. Such a transition will cost the corporation a VERY pretty penny, though do not fret, these costs will not be passed on to the chocolate lover. As with most companies, this is a long-term investment into sustaining the health of the planet as well as the bottom line. “Mars’ commitment to buying sustainable cocoa is unprecedented in size and scope, and the benefits to farmers, farmworkers, tropical environments and wildlife will be tangible,” said Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance. “This initiative is an example of the tremendous impact global companies can have when they commit to sustainability. I have recently returned from Ghana, where I saw firsthand the problems, the improvements and the possibilities.” Quote