Palm Oil Business and the Environment

Palm oil is a versatile vegetable oil derived from the African Oil Palm tree. It is extracted from either the fleshy fruit or the kernel, yielding two distinct types of oil: crude palm oil and palm kernel oil. This oil has become pervasive in our daily lives, finding its way into a myriad of products ranging from cooking ingredients to cosmetics.

The palm oil industry has experienced significant growth due to the high demand for this inexpensive and efficient crop. Vast areas of land, particularly in tropical regions, have been converted into oil palm plantations to meet global consumption needs.

However, this expansion has raised concerns over sustainability. The cultivation of oil palm trees can lead to deforestation, habitat loss, and social conflicts if not managed responsibly. Sustainable palm oil production aims to minimize environmental impact and ensure fair practices by adhering to standards set by organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

The business of palm oil is lucrative but also contentious. It requires balancing economic benefits with ethical considerations and environmental stewardship. As consumers become more aware of these issues, the demand for sustainably produced palm oil is likely to increase, influencing the practices of the palm oil industry.

importance of biodiversity

Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the vast variety of life on Earth, encompassing all species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the genetic differences within these species and the ecosystems they form. It is a measure of the health of biological systems and is vital for maintaining the balance and resilience of those systems.

The importance of biodiversity lies in its crucial role in ecosystem services that support life, including purification of air and water, decomposition of waste, regulation of climate, regeneration of soil fertility, and pollination of crops. It also provides cultural and recreational benefits, as well as scientific understanding.

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism but are significantly threatened by human activities. The loss of biodiversity—often due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species—poses a serious threat to our planet’s stability and the services ecosystems provide.

Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity by preserving habitats, restoring ecosystems, regulating hunting and fishing practices, combating invasive species, and addressing climate change. Educating children and the public about biodiversity is crucial for fostering an understanding of its importance and encouraging actions that support conservation.

In summary, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build a sustainable future. It is not just about protecting nature for nature’s sake; it’s about preserving the essential services and resources that biodiversity provides us—services we rely on every day.

Bottled Water

In the wake of Typhoon “Sendong,” which devastated Northern Mindanao in the Philippine Islands, I witnessed a remarkable sight. Amidst the destruction, a mobile water purification truck stood by the Cagayan River, transforming murky floodwaters into clean, drinkable water. This process, intriguingly similar to municipal tap water treatment, offered a glimmer of hope and resilience.

The reliance on bottled water, however, is an unsustainable practice for numerous reasons. Financially, it’s a poor choice; tap water is significantly more cost-effective. Environmentally, the production and transportation of bottled water consume substantial fossil fuels. Health-wise, it offers no advantages over tap water.

Considering even the expense of filters, tap water remains the more economical option. Bottled water can cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per bottle.

For those with unpalatable well water or households with infants requiring safe drinking water, purchasing distilled or ‘nursery’ water in bulk from discount stores is a wise alternative. These typically range from 79 to 99 cents per gallon—far more reasonable than ‘designer’ waters.

Moreover, these jugs have a life beyond their initial use; they can be repurposed for storing beverages like homemade iced tea or as containers for various household items once their tops are removed.

In summary, while mobile purification units like the one observed post-typhoon demonstrate valuable emergency resources, they also highlight the broader issue: our everyday choices around water consumption have significant financial and environmental impacts. By opting for tap or bulk-purchased water over single-use bottles, we can make choices that are better for our wallets, our health, and our planet.

Agarwood: Worth Its Weight in Gold

 

Agarwood, also known as lapnisan, is one of the rarest and most expensive trees in the world.

1. Agarwood Basics:

Agarwood is a non-timber type of wood found in the jungles of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

The tree itself is not valuable until it becomes infected with a specific mold, triggering the production of a dark, fragrant substance.

2. Liquid Gold:

The resin from infected agarwood is worth more than its weight in gold.

Perfumers and incense makers pay millions of dollars for a liter of this precious substance.

In 2013, the global agarwood trade was valued at $8 billion.

3. Legality and Protection:

Agarwood is endangered, and the Philippine government protects it.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) prohibits buying, selling, collecting, or transporting any part of agarwood.

Despite the ban, poachers and traders still exploit it, often using codenames to avoid detection.

In summary, agarwood’s rarity and unique fragrance make it highly sought after, but its conservation remains crucial. 

Improve Indoor Air with Houseplants

Photo by madaise

We always know they make any room look better and somehow improves the ambiance and "atmosphere," but NASA, yes that spacey and hi-tech US agency, took it a step further and did some serious digging on houseplants and their effect on indoor air. The research definitely found that houseplants ameliorates indoor air and remove some toxic gases, making it better for us to breath.

Recommended indoor houseplants include the following:

1. Mother's in law tongue
2. Peace lily
3. Marginata
4. Pot mum
5. Banana
6. Philodendron
7. Green Spider Plant
8. Aloe Vera

Read the full report here (PDF).