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But what can you do as a consumer to help out? While far from a perfect solution, Fairtrade certified growers are independently audited to ensure they do not use child labour. Further, Fairtrade ensures a minimum price for farmer's crops and distributes money to farmer organisations to improve their infrastructure. This means that farmers have more income to spend on adult workers instead of employing children. Look for the Fairtrade symbol when shopping for chocolate. The issues with cocoa production also go beyond child exploitation. Adult farmers consistently earn below a living wage. Old-growth forests are often cut down to make way for cocoa plantations, and farmers will illegally grow on national parks to increase their yield in any way. Cocoa production is also known to involve slavery. What you can do: Buy Fairtrade chocolate Purchase chocolate from countries of origin where these issues are less prevalent. Educate yourself on the extent and impacts of child exploitation in Ghana and the Ivory Coast Learn more about the various issues with cocoa production

Another plus is the audits which aim to prevent child and forced labour, discrimination, and other poor work conditions. A more ideal solution is to buy from companies that both grow and roast the beans themselves. This cuts out the multinationals taking the profits and ensures equitable pay for growers. What you can do: Buy coffee that is sustainably grown and roasted here in Australia. Look for products with the certified Fairtrade symbol, preferable from from small, independent, Australian-owned roasters.