One of the threats to primates discussed at the "Role of undergraduates in primate conservation" working group last May was
palm oil. Palm oil is becoming increasingly popular in consumer goods, from cookies to lotions. Much of palm oil agriculture is unsustainable. Forests in south east Asia are leveled for palm oil plantations, destroying the animal inhabitants (including endangered orangutans).
Photo: Aaron Logan, wiki commons
Look at the ingredients of the foods you eat. Ask your grocery store or dining hall about where their palm oil comes from.
We went to Whole Foods to ask about their palm oil use (since they should be more sensitive about sustainable food practices). We got this (somewhat positive) response, which came from the Global Coordinator of Whole Foods' Exclusive & Private Label Brands:
Palm Oil
Due to the health concerns about hydrogenated fats, manufacturers have switched to palm oil as a trans-fat-free alternative that provides similar results in product consistency and stability.
Whole Foods Market has partnered with the Institute for Marketecology (IMO), a highly regarded international certification agency whose social responsibility and fair trade certification program requires successful implementation of environmental, social responsibility, and sustainability practices on the land and within the company’s organization.
This reliable certification program provides for the verification and development of additional sources of sustainable, fair traded palm oil. WFM pledges that only certified sustainable sources of palm oil will be used in our Exclusive Brands products by 2012.
Palm oil is a consumer product. As consumers, every individual has the power to change the way palm oil is produced. Express your concerns! Don't let orangutans go extinct in our lifetime...
Here is more info on palm oil:
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