Some of us might not realize that palm oil is around us, from food to hygiene products, including our soaps and shampoos.

Palm oil has long been considered as commodities that destroy the environment. Environmental dan social problems are often associated in palm oil production. The question now is, do we really have to avoid palm oil?

The issue is not palm oil as a commodity, but instead the production process. As long as palm oil is not planted in forest or peatland areas, there is no problem with palm oil. Compared to other vegetable oil commodities, palm oil requires far less land area for the same amount of oil production. Palm oil is also easy to process and affordable. Solutions need to focus on producing palm oil in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.

As consumers, we must demand for better production of sustainable palm oil. Choosing products that use certified palm oil is the first step. Although there are not many products with sustainable palm oil labels now, our demand for sustainable palm oil products will surely increase its availability.

Let’s be a more conscious consumer!