ECO-GREEN

Palm Oil As Never Seen Before

Do you know from where comes the palm oil? Do you know that the palm oil has many different names in the ingredient list? Do you how much it harms the environment? (Read below to investigate the answers of these questions)

1-what is the palm oil ?

It’s a vegetable oil that is derived from the palm fruit. The origin of the palm fruit is in the west of Africa as that is grows on the African oil palm trees. The palm fruit also grows & flourishes where rainfall & heat are ample as in the rainforests.

2-why palm oil is so popular ? 

During the last decades, the palm oil has been widely utilized in many industries due to its effectiveness as a high volume crop. It doesn’t only work as preservative and remain stable under high temperature but also it has wide range of characteristics as that it has smooth texture & a mild flavor .also, The palm oil harvesting is cost-effective. All of this qualities enables it to be used in the daily demand products & industries. Thus ,The palm oil is included in everything (cleaning products, skin care& beauty products, snacks even in the pet food)

3-What is the palm oil production & consumption Rates ?

In 1970, only 2 million tons were being produced by the whole world. While in 2018, it is stated that 71 million tons are produced in the world which indicates that the percentage of palm oil production increased up to 35 times. thus, it is assured that palm oil production has been increased rapidly Over the past 50 years. In 2021, the palm oil production in the world reaches more than 167 million pounds or (75.7 million kg).

4- what are the most producing countries for palm oil ?

Indonesia and Malaysia as that 84% of the global palm oil production comes from them.

5- what are the environmental cost of the palm oil ?

Palm oil was estimated to be the least environmentally-friendly as that it is involved in many environmental crises.

5.1 ) Loss of habitats of the endangered species & loss of biodiversity: the main reason is the Deforestation, as that the frequent clear cutting for the forests to make a way for palm oil plantation will release greenhouse gases and destruct the habits that threatens the biodiversity (orangutan, bird, elephant and tiger).

A Rescued Orangutan from the destruction of its habit to make a way for palm oil agriculture  

Photo from: eia-international.org

      5.2) Pollution (air & water)

·       Air: Deforestation to free space for the palm oil planation is a major reason for air pollution as the released amount of co2 will increase, also the burning method that is used for clearing vegetation contributes in increasing the amount of the released CO2 & smoke that pollutes the air & Contributes to global warming 

 

·       Water: 2.5 metric tons of effluent for every produced metric ton is generated from the palm oil mill. Thus, these huge amount of released effluent will pollute the water.

5.3) Soil Erosion: due to planting of the palm oil on the steep slopes.

6-How could we spot the palm oil ?

Technically the palm oil is a vegetable oil. However, it can be found in a form of various different names in the ingredients & label lists as (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Palm Oil Kernel, Palm Fruit Oil, Vegetable Oil, Palmolein, Glyceryl Stearate, Elaeis Guineensis, Stearic Acid, Palm Stearine,Palmitic Acid, Steareth 2, Steareth 20, Sodium Kernelate, Palmitoyl oxostearamide ,Palmitoyl tetrapeptide3, Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylaye, Octyl Palmitate ,Cetyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol , Palmityl Alchoho).

7- How could we advocate for change ?

1-     Familiarize yourself & be aware of the palm oil different names (mentioned above in Q.6)

2-     Purchase only the palm oil that has a certified sustainable from accrediting body as

ü  (RSPO): The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil

ü  (ISCC): International Sustainability & Carbon Certification

ü  (MSPO): The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil

ü  (ISPO): The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil