Palm oil sounds wonderful doesn’t it, maybe it triggers the thought of palm trees, relaxation, maybe a massage with some relaxing oil. But whilst there is nothing wrong with natural palm oil itself, unfortunately it’s detrimental to the planet yet it is found in over 50% of shelf products. These can be anything from processed food, personal care products, and animal feed. In some parts of the world it’s also used in bio fuel.
It’s actually an edible vegetable oil that comes from the fruit of palm trees which produces two types of the oil. The first is squeezed directly from the palm oil fruit, and the second is made from the kernel or the stone in the fruit. The last time we checked there are 44 countries that produce palm oil.
So what is wrong with palm oil?
There is nothing wrong with palm oil per se. It’s a natural product but it’s the way it’s farmed which is the problem. Extracting palm oil contributes massively to deforestation which means certain wildlife that rely on the palm oil trees, the fruit, and the forests, are in danger of extension. Three animals we are aware of that are in danger are the Orangutang, Pygmy Elephant and Sumatran Rhino. Also it is sometimes forested using adult and child exploitation labour. Furthermore, the higher the demand for palm oil, the bigger the amount of greenhouse gasses are emitted in the air from the carbon rich peat soil in which the trees grow.
What are the alternatives to palm oil?
Other oils such as soy, coconut, rapeseed, or sunflower oil are available and whilst they need more land, what it does mean is that the forests are not constantly destroyed which affects nature and our wonderful wildlife. The most important thing to remember here is that no solution is currently perfect but it’s about choosing an ingredient that’s the most kind for everyone and everything. Humans, nature, wildlife, and the planet as a whole.
How can you help?
You can buy products that don’t contain any palm oil, or you can make sure that if your products do contain palm oil, that it is sustainably sourced. And to do that the product should say RSPO certified. The RSPO is an organisation that regulates the farming of sustainable palm oil and in 2018 the standard was increased to make sure that palm oil is farmed without the use of fire, deforestation, increased use of peat (in the soil,) or exploitation of adults or children. See more below on the RSPO.
What is being done about sustainably resourcing palm oil?
Back in 2012 the UK made a commitment to sustainably source the palm oil needed in this country, and by 2016 it was pleasing to see that sustainably sourced palm oil had reached 75%. So you and us as consumers can do more.
The Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was formed back in 2004 and it developed a set of criteria to ensure that, when applied, help to minimise the impact of the cultivation on the environment and communities in palm oil producing regions. Companies that use a certain amount of palm oil can become a member and can apply to use the RSPO trademark which represents the use of certified sustainable palm oil in products.
You can find out more about this non-profitable organisation here: https://rspo.org
Why should all of this matter to you?
The planet will not survive forever in the way we want it to; beautiful forests, wildlife, blue oceans, clean air, and natural places to visit, if we don’t look after it. But more importantly than that, we rely on wildlife and they rely on us. We all work and live together so we all need treating with love and kindness. It’s up to us to save the planet and it just starts with a few people to make a movement, let’s do it together.
What do Northern Flock use instead of palm oil?
Here at Northern Flock, as you probably know we are passionate about using eco-friendly, sustainable, organic ingredients. We don’t use palm oil in any of our products, we have chosen organic coconut oil instead. We feel it’s a better choice for the planet and helps to keep the demand for palm oil down.
And finally …
Lets all help each other and help save the planet for us and many generations to come. Love, kindness, and respect are free and should be used liberally on a daily basis to other people, the animal kingdom, and the planet.
Our ethos
Northern Flock cares for your world, promotes recycling, and helps save the planet by making eco-friendly products and gifts that are kind to you and mother nature.
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