Why Palm Oil Deserves Your Attention This Earth Day—and Every Day
- Nichole Dandrea-Russert
- Mar 31, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
With Earth Day around the corner (April 22), it’s the perfect time to reflect on our daily habits and explore how we can better care for the planet. One impactful way to do this? Take a closer look at palm oil—an ingredient found in everything from cookies and peanut butter to shampoo and laundry detergent.
Palm oil may sound harmless—it’s a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees, originally native to West Africa. But behind its widespread use lies a devastating impact on rainforests, wildlife, the climate, and Indigenous communities.
The Environmental and Ethical Impact of Palm Oil
According to the World Wildlife Fund, tropical rainforest areas equivalent to 300 football fields are cleared every hour to make way for palm oil plantations. This deforestation is destroying ecosystems and driving species like the Sumatran tiger, orangutan, and elephant toward extinction. Orangutans, for example, are often displaced from their habitats and killed or captured for the illegal wildlife trade.
It’s not just animals that are affected. The palm oil industry has been linked to severe human rights violations, including land theft from Indigenous communities and forced child labor.
And the climate impact? Massive. Deforestation for palm oil releases significant amounts of carbon pollution, making palm oil production a major contributor to climate change.
Why Palm Oil Is So Common in Products
Palm oil is cheap, shelf-stable, and versatile—qualities that make it incredibly attractive to manufacturers. After trans fats were banned, palm oil quickly became their replacement in many processed foods and household products.
Today, palm oil is found in nearly 50% of all packaged products in U.S. grocery stores. Think snack foods, baked goods, ice cream, instant noodles, margarine, chocolate, cleaning products, cosmetics, and even some vitamins.
What About “Sustainable” Palm Oil?
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was created to improve the standards of palm oil production and reduce environmental and social harm. RSPO-certified palm oil is supposed to meet a set of criteria aimed at reducing deforestation and human rights abuses.
Unfortunately, RSPO certification has faced heavy criticism. Many RSPO-certified companies continue harmful practices, and enforcement is inconsistent. This means even certified palm oil can come from sources that destroy rainforests and exploit communities.
Bottom line? Until true transparency and accountability are in place, the most eco-conscious choice is to avoid palm oil and its derivatives altogether.
What You Can Do
Choose Palm Oil-Free Products
Knowledge is power—and so is your purchasing power. Here’s how you can take action:
Read ingredient labels. If you see palm oil (or its many derivatives), choose an alternative product.
Support palm oil-free brands. Your dollar sends a message. Every palm-free purchase helps reduce demand.
Download palm oil scanner apps. Use apps like Giki or Buycott to make more informed decisions.
Share this information. Educating others is one of the most powerful tools for change.
By avoiding products made with palm oil, you’re helping:
Protect rainforests and wildlife
Support Indigenous rights
Reduce carbon emissions
Shift demand toward sustainable, ethical alternatives
Get Involved
Visit Rainforest Action Network to learn more and get involved.
Explore the Snack Food 20 list to see how your favorite brands measure up.
Watch and Share
These two short videos show the heartbreaking reality of palm oil:
⚠️ Warning: They’re emotional—have tissues ready.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Are you checking your labels more closely now? Share your palm oil-free product finds and eco-friendly swaps in the comments or tag us on social. Together, we can make meaningful change—one mindful purchase at a time.
