The consumption of palm oil has increased significantly in the past decade. It is used in everything from nut butters, chocolate, crisps, oatcakes, biscuits to soaps and detergents. Unfortunately, this has caused detrimental damage to our rainforest and wildlife, whilst also impeding ethical rights. Palm oil is derived from the fruit of the palm tree which are found across Southeast Asia. Every hour of every day, farmers are chopping down about 300 football fields of rainforest, so that they can produce palm oil. This has been a huge factor in global warming because of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2)that trees contain. Rainforests also help to preserve water resources, which reduces the risk of flooding and soil erosion.The burning of rain forests cause smoke emissions, which increase the greenhouse effect, and ultimately lead to more global warming. Sumatran tigers and orangutans are becoming extinct due to the depletion of the rainforests. Some palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia also use child labour as part of their workforce.
Palm oil is also not good for your health. It contains palmitic acid, which is a type of saturated fat that is about 43.5% of the palm oil. Palmitic acid encourages the body to produce more cholesterol, and can increase fat around the stomach. Oxidized oil can also cause inflammation in your body, leading to aches and pains. Manufacturers produce palm oil to a higher melting point and oxidize it, which increases its’ shelf life, but this is unhealthy for the body. The Rainforest Action Network have campaigned, and are still campaigning to change the market for palm oil production. They have had numerous meetings with corporate officials to try and discourage the production of these products, but unfortunately because people are still buying palm oil products, the palm trees are still been used to produce it. It is up to us to stop buying products containing uncertified palm oil. When we stop purchasing it,manufacturers must think of other, more ethical ways of creating their products.
Now that you are informed, before you buy that jar of nut butter, or confectionary, take a quick look at the ingredients, so that you will have a clear conscience when it comes to consuming products that are increasing the effects of global warming and inhibiting human and animal rights. If you still want to purchase goods with palm oil, choose Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO). This helps to keep rain forests safe, and protects the rights of local communities and wildlife.Please share this article with your friends and family to help to save our rainforests, and the animals who live in them.
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