There is an underlying truth that that palm oil is no other vegetable oil on the planet that shows up in such a vast array of consumer goods. But what consumers ignore is that they are unknowingly complicit in horrific crimes against animals, people, and the environment.
This is why raising awareness about how palm oil production is harming the planet, animals, and people alike is so, so important. We have sustainable methods for producing palm oil that does not provoke deforestation, human rights violations, and the killing of animal populations. It is just a matter of holding corporations accountable for making positive change.
The Facts
1. Palm oil is high in saturated fat. One tablespoon of palm oil contains 55 percent of the daily recommendation of saturated fat.
2. Up to 300 football fields of forest are cleared every DAY to make room for palm plantations.
3. The Orangutan population has decreased by 50 percent in the last 10 years as a result of habitat loss from deforestation for palm plantations. It is estimated that 6,000 orangutans are killed every year by palm workers.
4. There are only 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild due to deforestation.
5. Clearing one hectare (about two square acres) of peat forest can release 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide.
6. In Indonesia, the palm oil industry is responsible for about 5,000 land and human rights conflicts. Nearly 45 million people live in the forests of Indonesia, entire villages keep being destroyed by factory bulldozers.
7. Only 35 percent of palm growers that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil are actually certified by the RSPO.
8. Palm oil ranks among the U.S. Department of Labor’s top four worst industries for forced and child labor.
9. Tropical peatlands store up to 10 times more carbon than “mineral soil,” draining and planting on peatlands is up to 10 times more detrimental to the environment.
10. Palm oil development allows easy access for as a result, the Sumatran tiger population is extremely threatened.
What can we do?
- Share this information.
- Stop using palm oil.
- Use palm oil alternatives.
- Tell the brands you use to produce sustainable palm oil.
Some of the organizations to help spread the word about palm and make a change are: Rainforest Action Network, WWF, Say No to Palm Oil, and many more!
