Palm Oil....

Palm oil is a big topic but what do you really know about it? Here are some basics. It comes from Indonesia and Malaysia. To grow it there has been vast Rainforest destruction with massive environmental impact. Many animals have been killed or forced out of their habitat including the orangutan which is on the verge of extinction. It is used all over the world giving it a substantial carbon footprint with shipping alone.  So why are all the big companies ok with this?
It’s cheap and Easy.
It can be used in hundreds of different products such as cakes, biscuits and pizza base, shampoos, soaps and toothpaste.
So, what did companies use before palm oil?
In a recent conversation with Marks & Spencer’s they explained that in some products they had replaced Vegetable Oil, Sunflower Oil and Lard with Palm Oil because it was cheaper and easier. Marks & Spencer’s were very clear that they are a member of RSPO (Responsibly Sourced Palm Oil) a group that is meant to guarantee that the Palm Oil is sustainably sourced.
However, in my mind cheaper and easier is not always better even if is RSPO labelled. In a world where it has just been announced by the UN that we have 12 years to save the Planet, cheap and easy doesn’t cut it..
What can we do?
Start shopping with a conscience, look at labels, try more homemade than bought products.
Message your favourite companies tell them you don’t like Palm Oil. Unsure what products have Palm Oil? Check out the list below it contains all the names of how palm oil can be disguised in a product..
Here are a few links that can help you find out more.
www.worldwildlife.org/pages/which-everyday-products-contain-palm-oil 
www.rainforest-rescue.org/topics/palm-oil
​orangutan.org/rainforest/the-effects-of-palm-oil/
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