I signed up for the "Forest Friendly Foods" daily task, but the more research I do...the more I want to alter the task itself. Some of my research and thoughts below:
Task description: "I will look for sustainable palm oil products with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSP) label. I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation and opt for ones that help sustain healthy communities and forests."
I did some more research into RSPO. "(Paraphrasing:) They have developed a set of principles and criteria for sustainable palm oil production, which encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects. These standards aim to minimize the negative impacts of palm oil cultivation on biodiversity, ecosystems, and local communities." Having the label does not guarantee that it is fully sustainable...though certified companies are audited by independent third-party assessors to ensure adherence to the RSPO's requirements. "(Paraphrasing again:) Critics argue that RSPO-certified palm oil may still be associated with deforestation, habitat destruction, land conflicts, and labor rights abuses in certain cases."
Since I have not found any solid evidence yet to prove that the RSPO label actually makes a difference, I'm just going to have to cut out palm oil altogether...even if it's only little by little. Darn.
But I have some good news!!! Bonne Maman makes hazelnut spread now, and it is palm oil free! I don't expect it to taste like Nutella, which is my absolute weakness, but it's going to have to do. I'll have to buy a jar next time I'm out grocery shopping, because in this case, I care about putting my money where my mouth is more than having a decidedly selfish little treat, since there are plenty of more ecofriendly alternatives out there that I could be buying instead. ...Wish me luck, hahaha :)