People tend to overlook the repercussions of palm oil plantations. The environmental impact of producing palm oil has a disastrous effect, causing deforestation and threatening the habitat of both indigenous human communities and orangutan populations. Other species such as Sumatran rhinos and tigers have also fallen victim to the destruction of their homes. Undeniably, the eradication of rainforests releases extreme levels of carbon dioxide into the environment. Consequently, 15 percent of C02 emissions derive from the fossil fuels of rainforest removal. This method of farming palm oil is not only morally reprehensible, it heightens the seriousness of global warming; an issue that needs solutions, not greater contributing factors.

It is fair to say that the big wigs from international palm oil corporations don’t negotiate satisfactory terms with the Asian communities they come into. Social conflicts, disputes and abuses are prevalent as locals are forced to surrender their land. In spite of their outcry for justice or compensation for violations of their basic human rights, indigenous peoples are ignored because of their ‘lack of value’ in the global economy. Producers claim they add value to communities by creating employment opportunities for locals in the palm oil plantations. This type of reasoning is the epitome of ridicule when most of palm oil companies offer meager salaries, embodying the principles of slavery instead.

Consumers often disregard the negativity associated with palm oil production because they are uninformed, which is understandable when the truth about the social and environmental impact of palm oil is concealed. What lies beneath the food labelling on mass produced items we purchase are secrets marketing executives have left out: ‘Only about 50 orangutans were slaughtered and a couple of rainforests were cleared for your pleasure and consumption’ is a truth they conveniently left out.

Labelling regulations in Australia are quite lax with regard to palm oil, easily fooling consumers. Even if palm oil is a key ingredient in a food product, it does not have to be labelled as such. A popular and people-friendly substitute is for it to be labelled as ‘vegetable oil’.

As consumers we have a lot more influence and power than we think we have with regard to palm oil production; without our spending, there is no business. Therefore we have every right to voice our beliefs and concerns over this important issue. A simple, thoughtful and effective option is to write a letter to someone who has involvement in palm oil production or manufacturing. Write to a food company suggesting they should stop telling fibs on their labels because as a comsumer you deserve the right to know.

There are alternatives to palm oil that are healthier for people, animals and the planet, and it is a failure to the indigenous people and orangutans that have to suffer in order to feed corporate and consumer greed.

Al Gore won a Nobel Peace Prize for his meticulous PowerPoint presentation, An Inconvenient Truth. Well, the ‘Uncomfortable Truth’ about palm oil, won't be made into a movie but it is just as important and relevant.

Be outspoken, be passionate and be the change you wish to see in the world.

Links:
Palm Oil Action Group
Australian Orangutan Project
Friends of the Earth Palm Oil Campaign

WORDS: Jill Nguyen