The ethical debate over palm oil

Palm oil is a stable vegetable oil that is commonly used by soapmakers to promote a hard and mild soap bar. Its also an oil that is used in the production of all sorts of products ranging from cereals to processed cakes and cookies. Its a staple in many other beauty products like creams and lipsticks. Most palm oil is produced in Maylasia and Indonesia. Collectivley these two areas have benefited from 33 through 41 cent per shares of the global market of this oil(Furniss,C.(2006). Despite this great expansion, these two countries are direcectly responsible for destroying one of the worlds most precious natural resources which is the rainforest, through the production of this oil.

The production also threatnens the natural habitat of Sumantan and Bornean orangutans. Their habitiat is essentially destroyed because of forests being cleared to began producing the palm oil. What's even more disturbing is that by nature these animals are attracted to the lush palm fruit and are tormented by workers in palm plantations. The animals are viewed as a threat and pests to the production. Some plantations have even gone as far as offering some type of reward to their workers who bring in dead orangutans or supplying evidence of having killed one(Furniss,C(2006). Not only is this area inhabitated by orangutans but other species of animals like elephants. Is it really fair that these animals are subjected to this type of persecution over the production of palm oil? It's ironic that we are eager partakers of the worlds natural resources and materials but we are also guilty of destroying these very resources that many are dependent on, to sustain life. What can be done about this problem? I for one love the characteritics that palm oil lends to my soap recipes however as a soapmaker I am facing a major crisis of consicience regarding this issue.I hope to shed some insight into possible solutions in future posts.

* I must rightfully acknowledge the article written by Charlie Furniss of Geograhical Magazine March 2006 for providing the above facts.