Christmas is, famously, the time of giving. But all our generosity can have a huge impact on the world we live in; the good news is that every little change, made by each of us, can make a difference! This Christmas we may well be distracted by political and economic crises: surging energy prices, the cost of heating and more expensive food. But the environment continues to take a huge hit too and one big problem is with ingredients such as palm oil featuring in both our cost-saving, everyday essentials and the luxury items we may gift at Christmas. Here, you can find out more about environmentally- friendly and palm oil free gifts to help save our world’s forests.
What is Palm Oil?
Palm oil is used in every day essentials like shampoos, conditioners and numerous, moreish food products like chocolate and desserts. Palm oil is the most commonly used oil and has many advantages, a recent study states that palm oil allows:
- cookies to be healthier
- soap to be bubblier
- crisps to be crunchier
- lipstick to be smoother
BUT, while it has its advantages, it also has huge drawbacks.
Only 40% of the forests in Malaysia (one of the places with the most palm oil production) are left and for this horrifying reason many people that are campaigning for palm oil to be boycotted. Palm oil plantation workers work long hours for low wages in harsh environments . As more palm oil needs to be produced the workers will have to work longer and harder and destroy many natural habitats. Studies have shown that around 3-4 oragantans die every year from deforestation. Local indigenous people are suffering as their food supplies are limited. They eat natural berries or even animals like deer. Their lives are becoming hard because animals are being killed or trees being cut down. Human and animal environments are rapidly being gulped up by these huge palm oil plantations spreading miles, nearly to the point wear they can’t see past them.
Should we Boycott Palm Oil?
Well, there are some pros and cons to boycotting palm oil.
Firstly, the forest biodiversity can grow again: some species that are currently on threat of extinction could grow and plants and trees could also flourish. Local tribes could recover their culture and homelands.
However, the industry employs thousands and loss of jobs job could plunge many into poverty. The economy of countries which produce lots of palm oil will suffer losing one of its biggest exports.
We all know there is a current crisis in food prices and this would only surge if palm oil was boycotted. It would result in food prices increasing even more to compensate for the loss of one of the biggest exports in the world
What would Happen if we Used Alternative Oils?
Other oils like sunflower oil, for example, can be grown in arable land, decreasing deforestation rates and saving wildlife. This in turn could reduce overall CO2 levels, stall climate change and increase air quality.
However, it does take around four times the time to grow the equivalent quantity of sunflowers and the oil doesn’t have as many advantages when being used in food products.
What Gifts can you buy for Christmas?
So you may want some alternative Christmas treats to gift to your loved ones.
We all know and cannot hide that we enjoy chocolate at Christmas time. There are many companies out there but my pick would be Artysan. There are also Christmas crackers that are eco friendly and remember that everyone loves to hear your jokes and be around you during Christmas. Alternative by Suma provide a range of bodycare products.
Many more gifts are available via sites such as Ethical Superstore: https://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/ethical-gifts/palm-oil-free.htm
Enjoy your festivities, Ridah Abbasi 9C