What is palm oil used for.?

Question

The palm oil made/grown in old Indonesia's rain forests is used in which products, if I avoid using these products will this help these forests?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Palm oil is used in most cosmetics as a binding agent. And in other bathroom products like soaps and shampoo's. The issue with the growing of palms in indonesia is three fold.

1st-- Growing these plantations requires a lott of water,fertilizerr and pesticides

2nd-- Because the demand for palm oil is so great residents of Indonesia are clear cutting vast areas of rain forest to plant the palm crops so that they can reap the greatest financial reward possible. The problem here is that these forests are far more effective at reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere than the palm crops.

And 3rd-- Certainly not least. The rain forests of Indonesia are home to the Orangutan and with the destruction of the forest we are essentially sealing the fate of this already endangered animal.

And this is the reason palm oil is so bad for the rain forests and the world.

Source(s):

"Stuff Happens" episode 5, Discovery's Planet Green Original Air Date 9-02-08.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks for the informative answers. Seems like the question should be what isn't palm oil in.

Answer 2

to make oil..and in some countries for fuel..it is use to make fat to make flour tortillas and many deviates.

Answer 3

Dove soap, shampoo...
I think it could help to find a natural local alternative.

Answer 4

Cooking (really bad for you).

Answer 5

u should avoid it because its poly unsaturated..very bad for you...sunflower is better as is peanut oil

Answer 6

I have seen it mentioned in an Indian recipe.

Answer 7

To make so much stuff, some foods, cosmetics (makeup/shampoo ect.) and car petrol... probably loads more but those are the main ones.

And its not just in Indonesia, it's everywhere