Palm Oil Vs. Rainforests
by CAROL RASAPHANGTHONG, Video Intern
Ever wonder what ingredients are in the items that you consume daily? Ever notice that palm oil is found in quite a few of the products that we use or eat all the time?
I ran across this video by 3BLMedia and it really intrigued and educated me on the roots of palm oil manufacturing. It turns out that giant palm oil plantations from Southeast Asia to South America are destroying the rainforests to expand their plantations. Animals such as orangutans and sun bears are affected by this just as much as the people and farmers who once lived on the land and were involuntarily removed in order to make room for more of these plantations. Many plantation workers work in harsh conditions and are exposed to toxic pesticides.
Amongst many other causes, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) is fighting to stop the clearing of rainforests for industrial palm oil and soy plantations. RAN is researching products that have palm oil in them and are looking for palm-oil free alternatives that are eco-friendly. Not only does the expansion of plantations affect animals, people and the rainforest, but it affects the climate as well.
What can you do? For starters, check out the video below. Then learn how you can take action.
Photo by tauntingpanda, flickr.
- Posted by Causecast
Related causes: Environment
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