Palm oil has been under the scrutiny of environmentalists for its negative impact on rainforests. The continuous scrutiny has led palm oil producers to focus on sustainable palm oil production. Over the years, the producers have taken steps to project a sustainable picture of palm oil production and consumption. The following aspects vouch for the sustainable aspect of palm oil.
Palm oil requires 9 percent less area than needed to cultivate an equal quantity of other edible oils. Thus, it leads to a lesser need for deforestation.
Palm oil fruit fulfills 35% of the world’s edible oil by just occupying only 10% of the total land allocated to edible oil crops.
Other vegetable oils contain high trans-fat content, detrimental to human health; palm oil is of leading significance in this respect. It is naturally trans-fat free reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease mainly caused by vegetable oils intake
Palm oil, along with its vast global usage, is economically cheap and affordable. Oils are among the basic food requirements, and every class of people uses them in their food. Palm oil supports the lower class in this respect as they can easily purchase this edible oil at a low cost.
Palm fruit leaves have a greater surface area, enhancing the rate of photosynthesis. It acts as a more efficient carbon sink than other plants.
Two leading organizations, roundtable sustainable palm oil (RSPO) and Malaysian sustainable palm oil (MSPO), provide certification for best practices for producing and sourcing palm oil.
The production standards of the organizations show that sustainable palm oil exhibits positive environmental and economic benefits and reduces the risk of disturbing human health.
SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL OR NO -PALM OIL
Looking at the sustainability aspect of palm oil compared to other edible oils, should you go for sustainable palm oil or no palm oil?
More than fifty percent of the world’s population depends on palm oil for its use in a broad range of industries. Regardless of the scrutiny and its claimed negative impacts on the environment, palm oil is here to stay. Therefore, instead of running from reality and opting for more environmentally damaging alternatives, it is wiser to look for ways to make palm fruit cultivation and palm oil consumption more sustainable.
It is imperative that governments, producers, and the entire supply chain work together to promote sustainability in the industry.
There is a massive responsibility on the part of consumers as well. Vowing to buy certified palm oil, promoting sustainability, and preferring it over other options will encourage transparency in their operations.
Consumer activity and their awareness about environmental sustainability are essential to keep the producers on their toes. The buying will help and support smallholder programs and sustainable landscape initiatives.
Parting thoughts
Palm oil is a well-loved oil across the globe. Showing our back to this commodity under the influence of misinformation or no information can seriously hurt this industry, including the livelihood of thousands of people associated with it.
Additionally, curbing the use and production of palm oil fruit will let other land-hungry edible oilseed growers take center stage. The best way to go forward is by supporting and promoting the sustainability initiatives of the growers and be more vigilant about any wrongdoings.