#EveryPalmMatters- Protecting the rainforests with sustainable palm oil

What if we tell you that one day, all zoos will look like this?



During our recent visit to Rainforest Lumina, it dawned on us that one day this might happen. The natural habitat for animals had been disappearing at an alarming rate. One of the reasons is palm oil production.

In Africa, there are fears that palm oil plantation expansion will threaten the survival of monkeys and apes. By 2050, 53 million hectares of rainforest in Africa will give way to palm oil Plantation. That is the equivalent of about 800 x the size of Singapore. Closer to home, 1.6 million hectares of primary forest was converted to palm oil plantation from 2000-2015, destroying the natural habitats of Orangutans and Sumatra Tigers.

In time to come, unsustainable palm oil expansion will destroy rainforests and what is left for future generations may be a virtual reminder of animals that used to roam the earth.

Will this be the only Tiger you see in the future?

It is easy to take for granted what we have today.  After all, out of sight, out of mind, right?

Yet, if we choose to ignore the impact on the environment, our children's offspring will be living in a different world tomorrow. It may be one that will be devoid of wildlife. Rainforests will be nothing but a beautiful scene painted on a canvas.

Do you really want to bring your child to a virtual zoo in the future?



Did you know?

• Each hour, up to 300 football fields are cleared for palm oil production.
• Palm oil plantation expansion in Indonesia had resulted in haze pollution in Singapore. Not only it destroyed the natural habitat of animals, but it is also becoming a health hazard.
• It has also led to virgin rainforests being cut down leading to carbon being released into the atmosphere.
• Animals impacted include orangutan and Sumatran tigers 
• 80 % loss of habitat for Sumatra Tigers from deforestation of Sumatra forest from 1985 to 2011
• Palm oil is used in over 50 % of the products we buy from supermarkets. This includes noodles, cookies, shampoo and even toothpaste.
• 70% of brands in Singapore and Malaysia do not disclose palm oil use.

What is palm oil?
Palm oil is a product from the oil palm tree.  Most of the world's palm oil is grown in Indonesia and Malaysia. Palm oil is commonly used as a cooking ingredient and is found in food but also cosmetic and household products.


Palm oil is the highest-yielding vegetable oil and providing jobs to 6 million people worldwide, boycotting palm oil is not an option. Yet, the continued usage would impact the next generation.

The solution - Sustainable palm oil

The solution to this challenge is to use certified sustainable palm oil. Sustainable palm oil is grown according to the standards of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). These oil plantations are grown without causing harm to wildlife and rainforests. Using products that are from sources certified sustainable, is a step in the right direction to preserve what we have today... for our future generations.


Join us with the #EveryPalmMatters campaign

We think this cause matters. Even a tiny nation like Singapore can be a start to help preserve the rainforest. As an individual, you can do your bit to help create awareness of the negative impacts of unsustainable palm oil and encourage positive change.

1 Tell your friends and relatives why you care about choosing sustainable palm oil by sharing a photo of your open palm and using the  hashtag #EveryPalmMatters on Instagram or Facebook


2 Choose products made with RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil and ask your favourite brands to use sustainable palm oil.

In Singapore, brands that source sustainable palm oil include M&S, IKEA, Kelloggs, Vegan Burf, L'Occitane,  Cabbage Brand, New Moon, Hand Brand, Mars, Mame Monster, Golden(Lam Soon) , Ferrero, Magic Pop, Ayam Brand.


Spread the message today to see tomorrow for your future generations.