It would seem that the greatest problem with palm oil comes out of its use as biofuel by European energy plants. With its ecological effects made evident, the European energy market is now requiring proof of "responsible eco-friendly production." While energy production is why its market is growing, palm oil can be found in cosmetics and 11% of supermarket foods. Palm oil production has little or no regulations/laws which makes it a very lucrative investment.
Here's what the Girls Scout's website has to say:
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Frequently Asked Questions: Girl Scout CookiesŪ
Q: Why do you still use tropical oils such as palm oil?
A: Our cookie bakers tell us it is still necessary to use tropical oils for the production of compound coating. Many top bakers have tried to stop using it, but without it, their products do not meet production standards. There are currently eight varieties of Girl Scout Cookies produced by each baker licensed to produce Girl Scout Cookies. Each baker produces Girl Scout Cookie varieties without palm oil.
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They listed two websites of their bakers. I checked the sites out and, on all nutrition labels, palm oil is listed. There is no reference anywhere on these sites as to how I can get it without.
Consider this:
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Palm oil boycott an unrealistic approach to conserving biodiversity
Boycotting palm oil produced in Southeast Asia in an "unrealistic" and "ineffective" approach to conserving the region's fast-disappearing rainforests, said a Princeton University researcher speaking at a conference on the sustainability of palm oil. Instead, NGOs should focus on engaging and working with the palm oil industry to reduce its impact on the environment.
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