Palm oil sounds innocuous enough, but it’s found in a wide variety of products from biscuits and margarine to lipstick, shampoo, and cleaning products. It’s also linked to deforestation and the endangerment of species such as orangutans.
Read labels to find products that are free of palm oil and support sustainable sourcing practices. Look for RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil and companies committed to transparency and deforestation-free policies.
Organic
Palm oil is one of the most widely used oils in the world, found in everything from pizza, doughnuts and chocolate to shampoo, lipstick, deodorant and even fuel. Unfortunately, conventionally sourced palm oil can be linked to deforestation and violations of human rights, but choosing organic options offers a better alternative. Organic palm oil is cultivated without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, allowing the plant to thrive and maintain the health of its ecosystem. It’s also free from artificial additives and preservatives, which makes it a good choice for vegans and people who want to avoid added toxins.
When shopping for organic palm oil, be sure to read labels carefully. Look for a USDA Organic label, RSPO certification or a Rainforest Alliance seal to ensure you’re purchasing a product that meets high quality and sustainable standards. It’s also a good idea to support smaller and local businesses, as they are often more likely to have transparent supply chains and be committed to responsible production practices.
If you’re looking for an organic alternative to traditional cooking oil, try choosing a red palm oil option. It has a higher smoke point, which means it can be used in high-heat cooking methods like sauteing or frying. It’s also a great option for baking, as it provides a rich flavor and golden color to baked goods. When buying red palm oil, make sure to select a brand that is endorsed by the RSPO or uses CSPO. You can also download the PalmOil Scan app and scan product barcodes to see whether the companies behind them use RSPO certified or CSPO palm oil.
While avoiding palm oil altogether is the best way to avoid supporting the destruction of nature and wildlife, it’s not always possible. If you want to buy products that don’t contain palm oil, start by learning the many other names for this ingredient in common products, such as “coconut oil” or “vegetable shortening.” Then, choose an alternative to these items, or find a manufacturer who can provide a palm oil-free option. You can also try searching online marketplaces that specialize in eco-friendly and organic products.
Fair Trade
Palm oil is found in nearly half of all packaged products on supermarket shelves. It’s used in everything from food, like doughnuts and chocolate, to beauty products, deodorant and toothpaste. But, many consumers aren’t aware that this common ingredient is made from the same harmful oils as hydrogenated fats.
To choose the best palm oil for your needs, look for third-party sustainability and transparency seals. These certifications ensure that every step of the supply chain is designed around a greater benefit for people, nature and planet. In addition to being USDA Organic, RSPO and Non-GMO Project verified, Daabon’s 100% vertically integrated business model allows it to offer one of the most traceable sustainable palm oil available.
Another way to help choose the right product is by committing to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and using the PalmOil Scan app, which allows you to scan barcodes on your favourite products to learn whether or not they are orangutan friendly. You can also ask your favourite brands to use RSPO-certified segregated certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO).
If you’re a business owner looking for the right palm oil supplier, consider asking for referrals from other businesses in your industry or network. Or, visit trade shows to meet suppliers and discuss their products and sourcing practices.
A reputable palm oil supplier should be transparent about their sourcing practices and provide quality products. In addition, they should be able to deliver on their promises and work with you to achieve your sustainability goals.
Choosing the right palm oil supplier can make all the difference in your brand’s reputation, your customers’ trust and the impact on the environment. It’s important to remember that if you choose to go “palm free”, this can negatively impact the RSPO members who are trying to produce sustainable and ethical products. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a great guide on how to shop for sustainable Halloween treats here.
Sustainable
Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world. It is found in 50% of all packaged products, from food like chips and cookies to cosmetics such as lipstick and deodorant. It is also used for biofuel and for pet food. Unfortunately, palm oil production is often linked to the destruction of rainforests and the loss of biodiversity. In order to help protect the planet, consumers should choose products made with sustainable palm oil.
Consumers should look for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) label. RSPO is an international non-profit organisation that promotes and certifies sustainable palm oil. When companies use RSPO certified sustainable palm oil, they ensure that the palm oil in their products is free of deforestation and destruction of natural habitats.
The RSPO standards require that deforestation is limited, High Conservation Value and High Carbon Stock ecosystems are protected, wildlife hunting and capturing is prohibited, and communities are supported. The RSPO also works to promote the development of productive, thriving plantations that produce high quality oil and are environmentally and socially responsible.
However, despite the RSPO’s efforts, not all companies are using sustainable palm oil. This is because many companies do not have enough demand for CSPO, or they aren’t willing to pay the premium for it. Some companies are also still not using CSPO because of concerns about the sustainability of their supply chains.
There is no single solution to this problem. However, the best way to encourage more companies to source CSPO is through education and outreach. Education is a key factor in changing attitudes towards palm oil and sustainable purchasing. For example, educational interventions conducted by zoos in the UK screened the documentary GREEN to raise awareness amongst visitors about the impact of palm oil and how they can make more responsible purchases (34).
Another way to encourage companies to source CSPO is through consumer advocacy. WWF has launched Palm Done Right, an online tool that allows shoppers to find and compare sustainable and unsustainable products. The tool also allows people to find companies that are committed to sourcing palm oil without deforestation, and take action by calling or writing to them.
Biodegradable
Palm oil is found in thousands of products we use every day. It is one of the most popular vegetable oils in the world. It is used in bakery products, biscuits, chocolate, margarine and many other food items. It is also widely used in cosmetics, soap and cleaning products. In addition, it is a source of biofuel.
The oil comes from the fruit of the oil palm tree. It is a highly versatile oil. It can be solid or liquid, has natural preservative properties and is easy to process. It is also cheaper than other vegetable oils. As a result, it is the most popular oil in the world. Unfortunately, the production of this versatile oil has caused widespread deforestation and environmental damage. The deforestation is responsible for the loss of unique biodiversity and habitats, as well as human rights abuses.
Until recently, no sustainable alternative to palm oil has been developed. However, there are several ways to reduce the environmental impact of this important ingredient. One way is to choose products that contain certified sustainable palm oil. This is often indicated by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. Another way is to look for organic or fair trade palm oil.
A third way to reduce the environmental impact of palm oil is to support companies that promote a responsible, sustainable palm industry. This requires a commitment to a pro-environment and pro-people approach, including a focus on indigenous peoples’ rights. This will also help ensure that all palm oil is sourced sustainably.
While boycotting products that contain palm oil is one option, it may not be practical for most consumers. Instead, shoppers can vote with their dollars by supporting brands that use sustainable palm oil. To do this, consumers should carefully read product labels and look for the RSPO certification. If a company is not currently a member of the RSPO, they should be willing to commit to becoming a member in the future. In addition, they should be prepared to provide verification that all their palm oil is certified sustainable.
