Washing Our Hands of Palm Oil April 17 2017, 0 Comments

Did you know Palm Oil is the most commonly used vegetable oil in the world? Palm and its derivatives are in about 50% of all packages products on store shelves and 70% of all cosmetics. It’s also a primary ingredient in soap. It’s inexpensive, easy to use and helps make a great bar of soap. But it comes at a steep cost to the environment.

You are probably aware of the bad rap Palm Oil is receiving. Palm Oil production is now one of the world's leading causes of rainforest destruction and driving a number of species like the Sumatran Rhino, Sumatran Elephant and the Sumatran and Bornean orangutan to the brink of extinction. https://www.ran.org/palm_oil

At Earth Soap Company, we have always used Sustainable Palm Oil, but RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified Palm Oil has been under fire for several years from environmentalists and organizations who feel it is not doing enough to protect the forests or animals and is nothing more than a greenwashing scheme. http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/publications/Campaign-reports/Forests-Reports/Certifying-Destruction/

Therefore, over the last year, we have switched all of our soaps over to a Palm-Free formula and we are thrilled with the results. The premium oils and nut butters we are using to replace palm oil lend to an even creamier more luxurious lather!

We realize there is no easy answer on the palm oil issue https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainable-palm-oil-successful-rspo-certification and we will continue to put pressure on producers to improve the sustainability of palm oil production.

Until we are certain that RSPO certification does mean protection of forests, human rights and species, we will continue to be palm free.

More Resources:

http://www.saynotopalmoil.com/Whats_the_issue.php

https://www.rainforest-rescue.org/topics/palm-oil#start

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6059

5 Easy Green Resolutions for 2017 January 05 2017, 0 Comments

Go Green this Spring! March 23 2015, 0 Comments

It’s officially Spring and there is no better time to make a few simple changes for a greener life-style. Join us in Going Green[er] this Spring. You don’t have to start living a "zero waste" life, though that would be something to aspire to, and you don’t need to stop showering (please don’t). There are plenty of small, simple changes you can make that add up to a greener life-style. You may not feel like you can make a big difference, but if we ALL take a step towards being greener; now that could be a serious impact.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi

Stay tuned for our daily tips and in the meantime, here are a few websites to get you started:

EarthShare provides free green tips, categorized by season.

Green is Universal offers some easy ways you can start to live greener.

GreenPeace lists tips to help create a healthier environment for you and your family, as well as for the Earth.

Zero Waste Home provides 100 tips to lower waste at home.

And for the kids:

National Geographic Kids has a number of tips, and to really get the kids involved, check out Earth Saver’s Club for Kids. They have tips, games and projects. Kids can even join as a member and take a Pledge to help save the planet.

"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." - Jane Goodall

One of my favorite ways to make an impact is to always carry a bag (paper or biodegradable, of course) with me on walks and pick up any trash I come across. Comment below and let us know your favorite tips for going green this spring.