The greatest threat to the world’s orangutan population is the destruction of their habitat through deforestation. The biggest reason that this deforestation occurs is to make way for palm oil plantations. Palm oil is currently the world’s most popular vegetable oil. In order to ensure the orangutan’s survival, alternative products must be used, or alternative production methods must be found.

Finding an alternative product to palm oil is difficult, as palm oil is used in almost everything. From chocolate and noodles, to shampoo and soap, to lipstick and biodiesel. It is actually the most official vegetable oil to grow in terms of the land it takes up. The issue is just how much palm oil is required globally. 

Thankfully, a more sustainable method for growing and using palm oil has been established. It is known as Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) and has been found to make up around 20% of the global palm oil production today. CSPO is farmed, processed, distributed, and sold responsibly with strict rules that protect animals, the environment and people who live and work in oil palm producing countries. By choosing to purchase products that have been made with CSPO, you can support the preservation of the orangutan’s natural habitats, as well as the communities surrounding them.  

To learn more about palm oil, what you can do to help, and how to find out which products contain CSPO, head to the BOS Australia website. 

You can also check out this video to learn about palm oil production.