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Life Amid the Palms

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June 2024 - Welcome!

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Oil Palm Plantations
Major Palm Controversy Right Now

Are Oil Palm Plantations a double-edged sword?

The African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a cash-crop palm grown in the tropics of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Oil is squeezed from this palm's fruit, for use in many products. It's become a mainstay industry for those economies. But there have been environmental and social controversies.

scene depicting oil plantation controversies with workers, deforestation and pollutantsMany Controversies

This is How Usage of Palm Oil Goes Worldwide

Together Indonesia & Malaysia process about 85% of the world's palm oil. The remaining producers are in African & South American countries. Even Middle-Eastern areas.

Palm oil is found in about half of supermarket products, worldwide. In cosmetics, various household products, food, and even biofuel. Oil Palms produce loads of fruit. Which are then processed for oil, pretty cheaply.

This is the Palm Oil Economic Impact

For countries producing palm oil, it's a main source economic stability. Because of jobs, exporting & more, by large plantations and small farmers.

Many families depend on the oil for their livelihood. But problems surrounding palm oil can impact them. Options for reducing and/or eliminating concerns are in the works.

hands of a person manipulating African Oil Palm Fruit to extract the oil into a bowlHand Production of Palm Oil by Small Family Famer (Image: T. K. Naliaka via CCby-SA4.0 License)

The Environmental Concerns of Oil Palm Plantations

Plantations have been enlarging, more plantations have been opening - all for that monetary benefit. Yet environmental problems arise with their eager expansion.

African oil palms in rows on Palm Oil PlantationPalm Oil Plantation in Galilee, Israel Image: Adam Jones of BC, Canada via CCby-4.0 Deed

Tropical rainforests are natural homes for Oil Palm Trees. And also where masses of valuable diverse plant life luxuriate. Plantation owners clear those habitats, making way for Oil Palms. This deforestation threatens native animal life. These enormous plantations destroy local plant diversity, changing it to a single palm species, row after row. Production practices also contribute to carbon emissions.

But that's not all...

3 Social and Ethical Issues

These issues can stain the industry's reputation:

  • They've used pressure to get needed lands, which ends up displacing local communities.
  • Although many jobs are created, people complain about dangerous working conditions, low wages, and even using children for labor.
  • What about health when Using Palm Oil in Foods? Many studies show benefits, but others find it may raise bad cholesterol.
box of cookiesDutch Delights Palm Oil Cookie Product
From Staand Candy/Cookies via CCby-NC-ND4.0

How Sustainable Palm Oil Lives Amidst Controversy

Can economic growth coordinate with environmental preservation? It's up to the industry to advance methods, respecting ecosystems while promoting ethics in economic development.

Oil Palm Tree with fruits ready for harvestingOil Palm Fruits Ready for Harvest
Image: Dr.Mary Gillham Archive Project at Flickr via Attrivution 4.0 International

What if:

  • Palm oil can be produced responsibly? With efficient, yet eco-friendly growth. Oil palms need less land for production compared to alternate vegetable oils.
  • Sustainable practices are studied? They are, with evidence that benefits the industry. So they've begun to be used.
  • Certifications for producers are established? Showing that producers follow environmental protections, and respect their workers. But are these effective? They've begun, but the debate goes on.

The Story of Palm Plantations To Be Continued!

Market purchase & investment choices can influence the oil palm industry. Avoiding palm oil products could encourage producers to further sustainable & humane practices. To coordinate economic benefits with environmental & social principles.

We were surprised that some products we use contain palm oil. Have you ever noted products you use contain palm oil?

African Oil Palm growing in a park settingYoung African Oil Palm Growing as an Ornamental in Park Setting
Image: Herve Rey via cc-by-sa

Til Next Time,

Karen & Bill of Mission: Palm Trees

Karen and Bill of Life Amid the Palms

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