image of a palm oil plantation in Indonesia, courtesy of hydrogencommerce.com

Did you know that widespread use of palm oil, a common ingredient in soap and many other products, is believed to be damaging our poor planet? 

Most frequently cited is the plight of the orangutan and other wildlife, wiped out from widespread deforestation; this deforestation also is said to directly contribute to climate change. 

It’s a hot topic of debate as to whether there can be a truly “sustainable” palm oil, and some parties even argue that palm oil harvestation has no negative consequences.  Still, persuasive and very heated arguments exist on all sides.

While the personal care industry is said to only comprise 7% of worldwide palm oil consumption, it’s still well worth seeking the best strategy.  

This is a complex issue, and I’ll try to break down the options concisely.   By necessity, this is a drastic oversimplification of the matter at hand.

Some personal care products companies choose to “give back” by donating a portion of their profits to organizations which support and help rehabilitate depleted geographical areas. We at Sarva want to be ABSOLUTELY sure that what we give to these associations… in essence, your money…  would be truly spent wisely and effectively. 

Other personal care products companies eliminate palm oil completely from all of their formulations. While this prevents further damage to the environment, it has the potential to rob countless harvesters of their sole source of income and support for their families.  

Sustainable palm oil is said to be available, but again, there is disagreement as to whether it is truly sustainable, and it is certainly higher in price.

Sarva does not take a definitive stance on the palm oil issue.  In fact, I personally believe that all sides offer a piece of the truth.  Nonetheless, decisions must be made.

As the owner of Sarva, I am personally researching this matter and carefully considering the following options in the coming months:

1. participating in a responsibly delegated “giving back” program
2. sourcing truly sustainable palm oil
3. reformulating all soaps which presently contain palm or palm kernel oil
4. a combination of the above

I’ll keep you informed here at Soap Leaves, the Sarva Soaps blog, as well as on the Sarva page at Facebook.  

I welcome your input, and ask that any comments remain compassionate and helpful for all involved.