Why Palm Oil is a Threat to the Environment

Palm oil can be found in essentially anything you use daily from chocolate and cookies to shampoo and detergent. With such a commodity proving to be convenient, easy to buy, and inexpensive, it makes sense why consumers don't generally give much thought to the oil's negative effects on the environment. However, it's important to be able to understand why palm oil poses a major threat to our world's biodiversity and be informed on how to take a stand.

What is Palm Oil?

Palm oil grows in tropical rainforests and is considered the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet, at 66 million tons produced annually. Palm oil is found in many products we consume daily. Some of the products and the benefits palm oil provides are listed below:

• Lipstick: Palm oil helps hold the color well, doesn't melt at high temperatures, and has a smooth application and virtually no taste.

• Pizza dough: When added to both frozen and fresh pizza dough, palm oil can help stop it from sticking together and enhances its texture.

• Shampoo: Palm oil is used as a conditioning agent that helps restore the natural oils of the hair that are stripped away by most shampoos.

• Detergent: Palm oil is refined to create soaps, washing powder, and other cleaning products.

• Chocolate: Palm oil helps create a smooth and shiny appearance in some chocolate and keeps it from melting.

• Cookies: Semi-solid at room temperature, palm oil is used to give baked goods a creamy taste and texture.

Threats to the Environment

While palm oil may be the most efficient source of oil, its production's rapid expansion threatens some of the planet's most important and sensitive habitats. Palm oil currently covers more than 27 million hectares of the Earth's surface. Rainforests are being cleared in order to make room for palm oil plantations, and many species are suffering the consequences. Animals such as orangutans are now on the critically endangered species list as these plantations have destroyed 80% of their habitats in the last 20 years.

Health Risks of Palm Oil

There are also several potential health risks from consuming palm oil. Palm oil may increase certain heart disease risk factors in some people. Repeatedly re-heating the oil may decrease its antioxidant capacity and contribute to the development of heart disease. Before consuming or purchasing palm oil be sure to talk to a medical professional if you believe palm oil may pose as a health risk for you.

How You Can Help

It's not too late to start taking steps at a more eco-friendly tomorrow! The following are some tips to help get you started:

• Avoid purchasing palm oil: Use Coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil.

• Read labels: Ask retailers for palm oil free products or those using the RSPO label.

• Speak out: Use social media as a tool for spreading awareness about the negative effects of deforestation caused by unethical palm oil plantations.

• Donate/ become a member: Help by contributing to the RIFPC or similar organizations who fight against deforestation and global warming.

Deforestation is becoming a major threat to our environment and unethical palm oil consumption is one of its leading causes. Be the change. Fight to end deforestation. Contact us to learn more about how you can help!