Chris Packham

[maggiebee]

Did anyone else watch this fascinating TV documentary last night. I had read that huge areas of jungle were being cleared for the palm oil that we apparently need so much and which turns up in everything from biscuits to soap. It wasn't until I watched this programme that I realised just how serious the situation is. Worth a watch.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/corporate2/mediacentre/latestnews/2018/chris-packham-lost-girl

[mushroom25]

this situation requires a serious rethink in terms of what humans need, and use. if society needs vegetable oils then palm oil is the one to use, because the alternatives require up to nine times the cultivated area to grow an equivalent amount of oil, and would switch the problem to other, more vulnerable environments.

[KARL]

I agree, it was an interesting and thought provoking programme. The conclusion was one I already subscribed to: We (particularly in the "western" world and those who aspire to copy us) are far too greedy as consumers - much of what people buy/consume we do not need and the resources to feed this consumption are better left where they are. The relentless march of consumerism with its incessant replacement/throwaway mentality is a luxury we almost certainly must end now rather than later.

[jno]

Iceland (the shop) have solved the problem...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46984349

[woofgang]

yes they are doing a norty bit of suggesto falsi and suppresso veri in their advertising

[ladybirder]

Yes I saw this when it was first shown and watched it again last night. Very disturbing.
Palm Oil appears to be in almost everything we buy so I find it difficult to cut down on my consumption of the stuff. We're eating the poor Orang utans out of house and home.

[maggiebee]

I wish they had jno, but reading the article shows that they have just removed their name from a few products. They are still selling them though despite containing palm oil. Not an easy problem to solve I'm afraid.

[woofgang]

maggie...Jno was pointing out that very fact in the link

[jno]

yes, I was being sarcastic, maggiebee. The trick to getting away with selling palm oil is to pretend you aren't.

[Khandro]

Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, I asked my wife to pick up a tube of Palmolive shaving cream from the supermarket and she bought three! Now every morning and for a long time to come, as I squeeze a bit out to put on my chin, I feel terribly guilty and that I contributing to the destruction of the planet.
Not a good way to start the day.