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Ever since Tropicana invited me to a weekend in Chicago, I have been giving a lot of thought to my integrity as a blogger.  So far, I think I have done pretty well.  I talk openly and honestly about the issues I care about, and only review products or services that reflect “my brand.”   But like a teenager being taken on a nice date, I started worrying that I might be expected to put out…

What if I had constructive feedback for Tropicana or questions about their environmental practices?  Would I have to keep my mouth shut just because they went to the trouble of bringing me all the way to Chicago?  I started to get cold feet about the entire experience and wrote to their PR company to ask what they had to say on this issue.  They assured me that I would be expected to speak only the truth and that I was being invited so that I would share my honest opinion.  They believe that Word of Mouth Marketing is the best way to promote their brand, and believe that honesty is integral to the process.  That made me feel better. (I won’t be a sell-out!)

In case you are curious, here are a few issues that I have questions or concerns about.  I’ll be sure to bring them up with their executives at our round table discussions.

1. I live in California and care about eating locally.  Why should I include juice (made from fruit grown in Florida) in my family’s diet?
2. It looks like the largest component of Tropicana’s carbon footprint comes from the use and transport of fertilizers.  Have they given any thought to growing their fruit organically?
3. I love that Tropicana is trying to help the environment with their Rescue The Rainforest program.  But have they given any thought to protecting ecological resources closer to home?

Here are the other bloggers joining me this weekend in Chicago for our Get Your Fruit On extravaganza:

Amy Roskelley: http://blog.superhealthykids.com/
Kristen Seymour: www.thatsfit.com
Laurel Moll: www.laurelonhealthfood.com
Melissa Garcia: www.consumerqueen.com
Jenn Walters: http://fitbottomedgirls.blogspot.com/
Fitz Koehler: www.fitzness.com/blog/
Sarah Fulghum: http://totallyher.com/
Maridel Reyes: http://www.vitaljuice.com/everywhere

I’ll be Tweeting from Chicago – so be sure you are following me and #Tropicana.  Oh yeah – if you are in Chicago on Sunday, August 2, join me for brunch at the Tropicana headquarters.  I’ll email you details!