According to the World Wildlife Fund, the tropical forest species index has declined by 25% in the last thirty years. Worldwide, 300 million hectares of tropical forest were converted to palm plantations during the last two decades, with indiscriminate forest clearing, posing a major threat to freshwater ecosystems. Also, Greenpeace have said that there is no guarantee that palm oils has come from a certified plantation.
Many people would like to reduce the amount of palm oil in their daily lives, but identifying where it is, can be nearly impossible. Surprisingly, palm is in mass produced biscuits and bread, so even that lunch break sandwich can be a culprit, a portion of fish & chips, even lipstick. Clear labelling and public awareness would help, for a positive way forward.
Handmade Norfolk Soaps is one such company, taking an innovative approach to their recipes, in a world which is fast becoming environmentally aware. Detergent based products are unacceptable to many people, and their recipes are 100% chemical free. All the aromas are from the plants as essential oil, and whenever possible all their ingredients are sourced locally.
Carol Goulding says, "Removing palm oil from soap, is not an easy task, but we feel it is an essential step forward. We cannot claim to make environmentally friendly products if they contain palm oil. All our recipes are now 100% Palm Free”.
You can choose from 30 soap recipes, on their website.
www.handmadenorfolksoaps.co.uk
