What’s the deal with Palm Oil?
Palm oil is the most popular vegetable oil on the market. Although, you may not use it for cooking. Palm oil is an ingredient in a variety of products that we use daily. Everyday household items such as lipstick, pizza dough, instant noodles, soaps, detergents, shampoo, margarine, chocolate, cookies, vegan cheeses, packaged bread, and chips all contain palm oil. Palm oil is an effective option for manufacturing. However, it may not be the best option for our global well-being. Due to the high demand, palm oil plantations are increasing globally at an exponential rate. Asia, Africa, and Indonesia contain the majority of palm oil plantations. Experts argue many pros to palm oil production, such as job creation and increased revenue in impoverished countries. Is it sustainable? Does the production of palm oil on a massive scale harm our beautiful earthly home?
Many scientists and environmentalists have weighed in on this topic. The current production rate for palm oil requires an increase in plantation creation. Plantations are created by deforesting large land masses. Deforestation leaves many precious endangered species of animals without safe or viable habitats. Endangered species are confined to live in smaller spaces with decreased resources on which to survive. Secondly, deforestation occurs by burning that releases smoke and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere contributing to air pollution and climate change. Thirdly, the risk of soil and water pollution increase. Logistically speaking, improperly arranged trees during planting causes erosion and silt deposits. These natural and dangerous consequences are possible when palm oil manufacturing is irresponsible. All of these side effects should be concerning to any global citizen.
Can palm oil be sustainably and responsibly sourced?
Many organizations are searching and working on ways to amend the process and reduce the impact of the palm oil production industry on our global society. At Liz Caye Skincare, we are devoted to creating products free from palm oil to reduce the need for palm oil plantation expansion and to support the environment. We encourage you to evaluate the daily items in your home and research the manufacturers to determine if they are using responsible practices in palm oil production.
How would I know if my product contains palm oil?
Ingredient labels may use a different name for palm oil. Here are some of the most used names courtesy of the World Wildlife Fund: Palm Kernel, Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Fruit Oil, Palmate, Palmitate, Palmolein, Palmitic Acid, Stearate Acid, Palmitoyl Oxostearamide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Kernelate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Lauryl Lactylate/Sulphate, Hydrated Palm Glycerides, Ethyl Palmitate, Octyl Palmitate, Palmity Alcohol
Or simply
Contains Palm Oil
Finally, look for the RSPO label to confirm that you are using or purchasing a product made with certified sustainable palm oil.
Earth is the only home we have. It is our responsibility to care for and preserve it. A simple step each of us can take today is to use products that contain responsibly sourced palm oil.
Website Citations:
https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/palm-oil
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/palm-oil-deforestation
https://chinadialogue.net/en/food/palm-oils-high-yield-masks-environmental-impact/
