Why We Use Sustainable Palm Oil

    The Oil Palm is an incredible plant that is capable of producing seven times more oil per acre than soy beans.  The oil has so many uses that many people don't realize how often they are using it.  The Oil Palm is native to Africa, but has been grown commercially for palm oil in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Columbia, and parts of Africa.  In Indonesia and Malaysia the palm oil industry has been growing faster than is sustainable.  The most devastating impact has been on the Orangutan population which has suffered from deforestation.  Fortunately we have always had the option of using sustainable palm oil.  The palm oil that we use is grown in Brazil on former farm land.  This is a wonderful way to transition clear cut land back into forest.  Oil Palm plantations serve as habitat for many of the native species that can't survive at all on cleared agricultural land.  In addition, the Oil Palm plantations that our oil comes from also grow a legume as a cover crop amongst the palms.  This acts as a natural fertilizer, soil builder, and habitat for many native insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.  Though it's not nearly as diverse as the original rain forest, it is a great way to take a step toward renewing the land that was cleared for cattle and soybeans.  It also means that when you use products with sustainable palm oil you are not contributing to the deforestation of Orangutan habitat.  We have always used sustainable palm oil since we first started making soap.  It's something that is consistent with our values and we're willing to pay a little more for it.