Help us Unmask Palm Oil in 2015

Help us Unmask Palm Oil in 2015

Wellington Zoo is proud to support the Unmask Palm Oil campaign by asking government representatives in New Zealand and Australia to demand clear labelling of vegetable oil on all food products.

Palm oil is estimated to be in about half of all products available in supermarkets, but most are labelled as ‘vegetable oil’. Mandatory labelling will allow consumers to make informed choices about the products they buy.

The wild homes of critically endangered species, like Sumatran Tigers, are at risk from deforestation, as large areas of their habitat are cleared to make way for large palm oil plantations in South East Asia.

However, palm oil can be produced without deforestation. Wellington Zoo and Unmask Palm Oil support the use of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), which certifies palm oil plantations to ensure they are deforestation free. While boycotting all palm oil may seem like the obvious solution, we believe a boycott will only shift the problem to other parts of the world and onto oils which are less productive than palm oil, therefore requiring more land.

A consumer wanting to make the switch from conventional palm oil in order to demand Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) will soon discover that Australasian labelling laws make it nearly impossible to make this simple ethical choice.

Mandatory labelling will help us to choose sustainable palm oil – and, in turn, help Sumatran Tigers and countless other animals that rely on these wild habitats to survive.

If you’d like to choose what’s in your food, come to Wellington Zoo this autumn. We have a community action station in the Asia Precinct until 22 May, where you can send a postcard to Minister Jo Goodhew, asking her to vote ‘yes’ to clear labelling of vegetable oil on products.

Can’t make it to the Zoo? Visit www.unmaskpalmoil.com and send in your support online.

FOUNDER OF UNMASK PALM OIL AT WELLINGTON ZOO

Are you confused by the palm oil debate?

We’re thrilled to welcome Ben Dowdle, Founder and Campaign Director of Unmask Palm Oil, who will make two special appearances at Wellington Zoo on Tuesday 28 April 2015.

Join Ben to find out about asking for clear labelling of palm oil in Australasia, and how you can make an impact.

Sun Bear Talk
Visitors and media are welcome to come along and talk to Ben about the campaign in the Asia Precinct, who will be available for photo opportunities directly after the 2pm Sun Bear Talk.

In the Archibald Centre
We invite anyone who is interested in learning more about Unmask Palm Oil to join us in the Archibald Centre at 6pm, where Ben will deliver a free and informative talk. Donations/koha welcome.

ENDS

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