Palm Oil Detectives

2024-11-11 14:50:00

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For decades, the palm oil industry, backed by the RSPO, has misled consumers with the false promise of “sustainable” palm oil. Behind this green façade lies a brutal reality of deforestation, human rights abuses, and the destruction of endangered species’ habitats. Dozens of investigations from many different industry watchdogs have exposes the RSPO’s certification as a sham, enabling continued environmental devastation under the guise of sustainability.

However it’s not only the palm oil industry that is an environmental liability, gold mining and meat deforestation also deserves to be strongly condemned for its ongoing ecocide. Read on to discover the examples of greenwashing deception from these industries, so that you don’t fall for their corporate greenwashing. Protect our planet and all human and non-human beings by refusing to support these lies—#Boycottpalmoil #BoycottGold #BoycottMeat and #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop.

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For 30 yrs, @RSPO_tweets have promised #palmoil free from #deforestation, #humanrights abuses. This has proven to be a multi-stakeholder lie #RT2024. Don’t buy the the #greenwashing instead #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #RT2024 @palmoildetect 🪔🌴🚫 https://wp.me/pcFhgU-7Sp

Share to Twitter

Behind #RSPO’s certified “sustainable” #palmoil lies a harsh reality of #deforestation and #humanrights abuses 🔥🌳🌴 ⛔️connected to all #supplychain members. “Sustainable” palm oil is a lie, make sure you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #RT2024 https://wp.me/pcFhgU-7Sp

Share to Twitter

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What You Can Do About Corporate Deception and Greenwashing Hypocrisy

Corporate hypocrisy is a masterclass in deceit, where companies promote their so-called social responsibility, while their actions tell a completely different story. This chasm between sparkling company promises and grim reality erodes the trust of citizens and shatters the ethical foundations of our communities.

Take JBS, a meat processing giant that pledged to fight deforestation but was caught sourcing cattle from illegally deforested Amazon land. Or Cartier, a luxury brand that prides itself on ethical sourcing yet was found using conflict gold and advertising their products using indigenous Amazonian peoples they violently dispossessed. Then there’s IOI, a palm oil producer boasting about their “sustainability” while contributing to massive environmental destruction. Such brazen acts of deception ignite public outrage, often sparking more public discontent that the original acts of deception.

The Anatomy of Corporate Deception

Corporate hypocrisy involves making grand moral claims, failing to meet those claims, deceiving stakeholders, and profiting from this deceit. Industries like tobacco and palm oil are notorious for such behaviour. Despite pledging not to target young people, tobacco companies continued to do so. Similarly, palm oil producer IOI violated the zero-burning policy they helped establish, leading to significant public backlash and lost business from major companies like Unilever (7).

Unmasking Corporate Hypocrisy: An Experiment

An 2020 experiment by German researchers tested whether people view corporate hypocrisy as harshly as individual hypocrisy. Participants read scenarios involving private individuals, managers, and firms, all behaving hypocritically. Results showed that both corporate and individual hypocrisies are condemned strongly, with corporations judged more harshly due to perceived greed and lack of empathy (7).

Palm Oil Industry: Repeated Greenwashing and Hypocrisy

Greenwashing is a deceptive practice where companies falsely portray their products as environmentally friendly. The palm oil industry has been notorious for this, particularly under the guise of “sustainable” palm oil certified by the RSPO. Every global supermarket brand has been implicated in this greenwashing. They claim adherence to “sustainable” practices, while concurrently engaging in environmentally destructive activities that result in violent land-grabbing, human rights abuses, ecocide and putting at-risk species closer to extinction .

In Guatemala, despite RSPO certification, palm oil deforestation continues at alarming rates, harming local ecosystems and communities. A 2023 research paper from the University of Michigan highlighted that certifying products as sustainable does not necessarily prevent environmental destruction (5, 9).

IOI: A Tale of Broken Promises

In 2004, IOI, a major Malaysian palm oil producer, co-founded the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to champion sustainable palm oil production. A key aspect of their commitment was a “zero-burning policy” aimed at preventing deforestation. However, IOI’s actions starkly contradicted their pledges. NGOs like Milieudefensie and Friends of the Earth Europe accused IOI of clearing rainforests in Indonesia, with aerial images and local reports providing irrefutable evidence (7).

In 2015, the sustainability advisor Aidenvironment filed a formal complaint, leading to IOI’s suspension from the RSPO in 2016. This suspension was a significant blow, resulting in financial losses as major companies like Unilever, Kellogg, and Mars severed ties. Despite eventually meeting the RSPO’s conditions and being reinstated, IOI deserved the resulting damage to their reputation. Their blatant disregard for the zero-burning policy they helped establish highlighted their hypocrisy and undermined their credibility as a promoter of sustainable practices (7).
Guaranteeing Ecocide: The Green Lie of Palm Oil Certification

More Greenwashing in the Palm Oil Industry

Unilever and RSPO Certification: Unilever, a major player in the palm oil market, has faced criticism for promoting its use of RSPO-certified palm oil as sustainable. Investigations revealed that despite these claims, Unilever sourced palm oil from suppliers involved in deforestation and habitat destruction. The RSPO certification itself has been criticised for weak enforcement and allowing members to continue harmful practices under the “sustainable” label, (6).

Nestlé and “No Deforestation” Pledge: Nestlé made a high-profile pledge to achieve zero deforestation by 2020, claiming its palm oil would no longer contribute to forest loss. However, reports surfaced showing that Nestlé’s suppliers were still involved in deforestation, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. This discrepancy between Nestlé’s public commitments and actual practices highlights the extent of greenwashing in the palm oil industry, (6).

PepsiCo and Supplier Controversies: PepsiCo has also been implicated in greenwashing. While the company advertises its commitment to sourcing “sustainable” RSPO palm oil, it has been linked to suppliers violating human rights and environmental laws over many years. Investigations found that these suppliers were involved in illegal land clearing and exploitation of indigenous communities, (6).

JBS: The Beef Industry’s Hypocritical Greenwashing

JBS, the world’s largest beef producer, has been sued by Attorney General Letitia James for misrepresenting their products as sustainable. The lawsuit, filed in early 2024, highlights how JBS falsely marketed their beef as eco-friendly while engaging in practices harmful to the environment. This case mirrors the deceptive tactics seen in the palm oil industry, underscoring the widespread nature of corporate greenwashing, (2).

Cartier and the Gold Mining Scandal: A Glittering Facade

The luxury brand Cartier has also been implicated in corporate hypocrisy and greenwashing. Cartier used images of the Amazon Yanomami tribe, which has been devastated by illegal gold mining, in their marketing campaigns to promote their gold jewelry as ethically sourced, (4). Activist Barbara Crane Navarro highlighted the hypocrisy of this act, exposing how Cartier’s practices contribute to environmental destruction and the exploitation of indigenous communities, (4).

Boycotts: A Powerful Weapon Against Corporate Hypocrisy

Boycotts are a significant and powerful lever in calling corporate greed and hypocrisy to account. Research shows that boycotts can effectively influence corporate behaviour by impacting their profits and public image (3). For example, Nestlé faced a successful boycott campaign against deforestation for palm oil in its supply chain, leading to policy changes. Continuous public pressure through boycotts holds corporations accountable and drives them towards more transparent practices (8).

Studies indicate that boycotts can drive significant changes. For instance, according to John and Klein (2003), boycotts are effective in signaling consumer dissatisfaction and can lead to substantial financial impacts (8).

Participate in Creative and Collective Action Against Corporate Hypocrisy

Companies must align their actions with their public statements to maintain trust and avoid the severe public backlash that accompanies perceived deception. Consumers play a critical role by participating in boycotts and demanding transparency and accountability from corporations, (1, 8).

Collective action is not limited to boycotts. Creating art, writing, and music to expose corporate hypocrisy are powerful forms activism in themselves. This can amplify messages and mobilise public sentiment. These creative expressions resonate deeply with people, inspiring them to take action. The work of activist-artist Barbara Crane Navarro’s work in exposing Cartier’s hypocrisy through art and advocacy is a testament to the impact of combining creativity with activism, (1).

To further harness the power of collective action, individuals and organisations can participate in various forms of activism as described on the Palm Oil Detectives website. By engaging in creative forms of activism both online and in-person and by participating in consumer boycotts, we can all hold corporations accountable and drive meaningful change towards a more ethical world.

References

1. Creatives and Conservationists for Cool Creatures (2021). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives
2. Attorney General James Sues World’s Largest Beef Producer for Misrepresenting Products as Sustainable. (2024). Retrieved from Attorney General NY Press Release
3. Boycotts: Do They Work and Why Participate in Them? (2021). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives
4. Cartier uses images of Amazon tribe devastated by illegal gold mining; critics call that hypocrisy. (2023). Retrieved from CTV News
5. Friedrich, M. (2023). Greenwashing in the palm oil industry: Lies, deception, and the fight for sustainability. Journal of Environmental Management, 336, 117–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.01.2938
6. Greenwashing Tactic 7: Lying. (2021). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives
7. Jauernig, J., Uhl, M., & Valentinov, V. (2021). The ethics of corporate hypocrisy: An experimental approach. Futures, 102757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102757
8. John, A., & Klein, J. (2003). The Boycott Puzzle: Consumer Motivations for Purchase Sacrifice. Management Science, 49(9), 1196-1209. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4134035
9. Palm Oil Deforestation in Guatemala: Certifying Products as Sustainable is No Panacea. (2023). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives

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Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry

Nicobar Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosa

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Lax Laws in Indonesia Turn Blind Eye To Animal Trafficking

When Indonesian prosecutors went after the leader of an illegal wildlife syndicate operating near the Malacca Strait, they relied on the country’s then relatively new 2019 Quarantine Act to seek a prison sentence.

After being…

Read more

Phayre’s Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus phayrei

Phayre’s leaf monkey, also known as Phayre’s langur, are remarkable Old World monkeys distinguished by large, white-rimmed eyes that lend them a “spectacled” appearance. Known locally as ‘Chasma bandor’ they live mostly in…

Read more

Giant Pangolin Smutsia gigantea

The Giant Pangolin is are the largest and heaviest of the pangolin species weighing up to 35 kilos. These majestic creature are cloaked in keratin armour and embark on nightly quests through Central…

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Amazon Clarion Call: Pandemics Emerging in the Rainforest

The Amazon’s diverse ecosystem is under threat from rampant deforestation, degradation, a biodiversity crisis, and the climate crisis – jeopardising its ability to act as a carbon sink. This degradation increases the likelihood of zoonotic diseases emerging…

Read more

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Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• WordPress
• YouTube
• Mail
• Mastodon

Sign Up

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez in His Own Words

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and author of ‘In the Shadow of the Palms’ Dr Sophie Chao: In Her Own Words

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen: In His Own Words

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

https://palmoildetectives.com/2024/11/12/guaranteeing-ecocide-the-green-lie-of-palm-oil-certification/

#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottGold #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #consumerBoycott #corruption #deforestation #greenwashing #HumanRights #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #RSPO #RSPOGreenwashing #RT2024 #supplychain

Palm Oil Detectives

2024-11-16 15:25:00

Seven practical ways to stop a species wipeout

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One million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction. Biodiversity is at a critical juncture before being wiped out forever and pressure is mounting on the international community to commit to new goals to protect it. Here are seven practical ways to protect biodiversity #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife

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1 million plants and animals are threatened. #Wildlife and #biodiversity are at a crossroads before #extinction. Here are 7 practical ways to stop #species wipeout. Story @360info_global #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #extinction @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-79E

Share to Twitter

https://youtu.be/6F6e_pbVrWs

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™, written by Charis Palmer and Chris Bartlett Read the original article here.

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There is mounting evidence the world is experiencing its largest loss of life since the dinosaurs. One million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction.

“We’ve already degraded 75 per cent of the Earth’s surface and more than 60 per cent of the marine environment,” the UN’s biodiversity chief Elizabeth Maruma Mrema told the BBC.

Corey Bradshaw, Matthew Flinders professor of global ecology at Flinders University, says if the current rate of extinction continues we could lose most species by 2200. The implication for human health and wellbeing is dire, but not inevitable.

Preserving biodiversity is crucial to keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees, say the architects of the Paris climate agreement.

A healthy planet also ensures resilient economies. More than half of global GDP – equal to US$41.7 trillion – is reliant on healthy ecosystems.

Researchers and scientists have explored what’s already working to protect biodiversity. Evidence in these seven areas shows there are simple measures that work, and others that will require global collaboration.

Consider what we eat and waste less

Expanding agricultural land is pushing biodiversity past a safe limit, says Quentin Read, data scientist and ecologist at North Carolina State University.

“Some species may already be ‘walking dead’, doomed to extinction because they no longer have a habitat large enough to avoid a population crash.”

An important part of the solution is helping consumers better understand how their diets and food waste behaviours influence global biodiversity.

“Animal products need large amounts of land to grow feed and pasture livestock.

“A smart plant-based diet is a major way to reduce land demand and biodiversity impact relative to a diet high in meat and dairy.”

But even for those unwilling or unable to change their diet, Read says reducing pre-consumer and consumer food waste by 50 percent has almost as much positive impact on reducing land demand in high-biodiversity areas.

Make cities more wildlife friendly

Cities can be hostile places for plants and animals, say Sarah Bekessy, sustainability and urban planning teacher at RMIT University and Georgia Garrard, senior lecturer in sustainability at the University of Melbourne.

But with “policy rethink and clever designs, cities could be safe havens for species to thrive and recover”.

“New solutions, like biodiverse green roofs, habitat boxes and insect hotels can also provide food and shelter for a range of animals in cities.

“Stormwater runoff which can negatively impact native plants and animals such as frogs can be mitigated by vegetated swales and rain gardens.”

Control feral and domestic cats to stop them killing wildlife

Worldwide, domestic cats are responsible for over a quarter of modern mammal, bird and reptile extinctions, says Sarah Legge, ecologist and invasive species expert at the Australian National University.

The urgency has forced scientists to innovate.

“Fenced enclosures, smart fire and grazing management are just some of the tools keeping native species from extinction.

“Reducing the impacts of pet cats is much simpler than controlling feral cats – just keep them contained, as almost a third of cat owners already do.”

Spend more to protect forests and habitats on land and in water

Investing in people to carry out conservation would have far reaching benefits, says Euan Ritchie, professor in wildlife ecology and conservation at Deakin University.

Ritchie says it would cost around A$1.7 billion a year to bring all the species on Australia’s threatened list back to health.

Australia currently spends around A$120 million a year on targeted threatened species conservation and recovery.

“Australian governments and society seemingly don’t see the environment as a priority investment. The question we must confront is why?”

Keep working to conserve endangered species

Early action to prevent decline and critical endangerment would be a more cost-effective approach to prevent species loss than captive breeding programs and reintroduction, says Philip McGowan, professor of conservation science and policy at Newcastle University.

“The strategies to save species are available and … effective. What remains lacking is the widespread support for and adoption of these and emerging approaches.

“Extinction is not inevitable.”

Learn from Indigenous people

Learning from previous and current management by local and Indigenous people and fostering shared fire management are invaluable steps in promoting fires that benefit people and biodiversity, say wildfire researchers.

Research in New Zealand, for example, has identified low-flammable vegetable crops, pastures and traditional Māori food and medicine species, such as the kawakawa tree, that could moderate fire while enhancing biodiversity.

Abolish our goal of perpetual economic growth

Most of the damage to the Earth’s life-support system has happened over the last century, says Corey Bradshaw.

“The global human population has tripled since 1950, and there are now approximately one million species threatened with imminent extinction due to massive population declines. To reverse that we could abolish the goal of perpetual economic growth, and force companies to restore the environment using established mechanisms such as carbon pricing.

“We could limit undue corporate influence on political decision-making, and end corporate lobbying of politicians. Educating and empowering women, including providing greater self-determination in family planning, would help stem environmental destruction.”

360info is a newswire with a difference: we source content from the research community offering solutions to the world’s biggest problems. To request access to our news feed so you can republish our articles visit newshub.360info.org

This article has been republished for World Wildlife Day 2023. It was first published on December 16, 2022.

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™, written by Charis Palmer and Chris Bartlett Read the original article here.

ENDS

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Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry

Guaranteeing Ecocide: The Green Lie of Palm Oil Certification

For decades, the palm oil industry, backed by the RSPO, has misled consumers with the false promise of “sustainable” palm oil. Behind this green façade lies a brutal reality of deforestation, human rights…

Read more

Nicobar Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosa

Discover the intriguing world of the Nicobar long-tailed macaque, a true survivor of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These intelligent, adaptable, and highly social creatures navigate a variety of habitats with remarkable resilience.…

Read more

Lax Laws in Indonesia Turn Blind Eye To Animal Trafficking

When Indonesian prosecutors went after the leader of an illegal wildlife syndicate operating near the Malacca Strait, they relied on the country’s then relatively new 2019 Quarantine Act to seek a prison sentence.

After being…

Read more

Phayre’s Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus phayrei

Phayre’s leaf monkey, also known as Phayre’s langur, are remarkable Old World monkeys distinguished by large, white-rimmed eyes that lend them a “spectacled” appearance. Known locally as ‘Chasma bandor’ they live mostly in…

Read more

Giant Pangolin Smutsia gigantea

The Giant Pangolin is are the largest and heaviest of the pangolin species weighing up to 35 kilos. These majestic creature are cloaked in keratin armour and embark on nightly quests through Central…

Read more

Load more posts

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• WordPress
• YouTube
• Mail
• Mastodon

Sign Up

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez in His Own Words

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and author of ‘In the Shadow of the Palms’ Dr Sophie Chao: In Her Own Words

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen: In His Own Words

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#biodiversity #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #corruption #deforestation #extinction #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #species #wildlife

‘Paris agreement’ for nature imperative at Cop15, architects of climate deal say

Leaders say December biodiversity summit in Montreal is ‘unprecedented’ chance to turn tide on nature loss

^{Patrick Greenfield (The Guardian)}

Palm Oil Detectives

2024-11-11 14:50:00

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For decades, the palm oil industry, backed by the RSPO, has misled consumers with the false promise of “sustainable” palm oil. Behind this green façade lies a brutal reality of deforestation, human rights abuses, and the destruction of endangered species’ habitats. Dozens of investigations from many different industry watchdogs have exposes the RSPO’s certification as a sham, enabling continued environmental devastation under the guise of sustainability.

However it’s not only the palm oil industry that is an environmental liability, gold mining and meat deforestation also deserves to be strongly condemned for its ongoing ecocide. Read on to discover the examples of greenwashing deception from these industries, so that you don’t fall for their corporate greenwashing. Protect our planet and all human and non-human beings by refusing to support these lies—#Boycottpalmoil #BoycottGold #BoycottMeat and #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop.

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For 30 yrs, @RSPO_tweets have promised #palmoil free from #deforestation, #humanrights abuses. This has proven to be a multi-stakeholder lie #RT2024. Don’t buy the the #greenwashing instead #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #RT2024 @palmoildetect 🪔🌴🚫 https://wp.me/pcFhgU-7Sp

Share to Twitter

Behind #RSPO’s certified “sustainable” #palmoil lies a harsh reality of #deforestation and #humanrights abuses 🔥🌳🌴 ⛔️connected to all #supplychain members. “Sustainable” palm oil is a lie, make sure you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #RT2024 https://wp.me/pcFhgU-7Sp

Share to Twitter

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What You Can Do About Corporate Deception and Greenwashing Hypocrisy

Corporate hypocrisy is a masterclass in deceit, where companies promote their so-called social responsibility, while their actions tell a completely different story. This chasm between sparkling company promises and grim reality erodes the trust of citizens and shatters the ethical foundations of our communities.

Take JBS, a meat processing giant that pledged to fight deforestation but was caught sourcing cattle from illegally deforested Amazon land. Or Cartier, a luxury brand that prides itself on ethical sourcing yet was found using conflict gold and advertising their products using indigenous Amazonian peoples they violently dispossessed. Then there’s IOI, a palm oil producer boasting about their “sustainability” while contributing to massive environmental destruction. Such brazen acts of deception ignite public outrage, often sparking more public discontent that the original acts of deception.

The Anatomy of Corporate Deception

Corporate hypocrisy involves making grand moral claims, failing to meet those claims, deceiving stakeholders, and profiting from this deceit. Industries like tobacco and palm oil are notorious for such behaviour. Despite pledging not to target young people, tobacco companies continued to do so. Similarly, palm oil producer IOI violated the zero-burning policy they helped establish, leading to significant public backlash and lost business from major companies like Unilever (7).

Unmasking Corporate Hypocrisy: An Experiment

An 2020 experiment by German researchers tested whether people view corporate hypocrisy as harshly as individual hypocrisy. Participants read scenarios involving private individuals, managers, and firms, all behaving hypocritically. Results showed that both corporate and individual hypocrisies are condemned strongly, with corporations judged more harshly due to perceived greed and lack of empathy (7).

Palm Oil Industry: Repeated Greenwashing and Hypocrisy

Greenwashing is a deceptive practice where companies falsely portray their products as environmentally friendly. The palm oil industry has been notorious for this, particularly under the guise of “sustainable” palm oil certified by the RSPO. Every global supermarket brand has been implicated in this greenwashing. They claim adherence to “sustainable” practices, while concurrently engaging in environmentally destructive activities that result in violent land-grabbing, human rights abuses, ecocide and putting at-risk species closer to extinction .

In Guatemala, despite RSPO certification, palm oil deforestation continues at alarming rates, harming local ecosystems and communities. A 2023 research paper from the University of Michigan highlighted that certifying products as sustainable does not necessarily prevent environmental destruction (5, 9).

IOI: A Tale of Broken Promises

In 2004, IOI, a major Malaysian palm oil producer, co-founded the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to champion sustainable palm oil production. A key aspect of their commitment was a “zero-burning policy” aimed at preventing deforestation. However, IOI’s actions starkly contradicted their pledges. NGOs like Milieudefensie and Friends of the Earth Europe accused IOI of clearing rainforests in Indonesia, with aerial images and local reports providing irrefutable evidence (7).

In 2015, the sustainability advisor Aidenvironment filed a formal complaint, leading to IOI’s suspension from the RSPO in 2016. This suspension was a significant blow, resulting in financial losses as major companies like Unilever, Kellogg, and Mars severed ties. Despite eventually meeting the RSPO’s conditions and being reinstated, IOI deserved the resulting damage to their reputation. Their blatant disregard for the zero-burning policy they helped establish highlighted their hypocrisy and undermined their credibility as a promoter of sustainable practices (7).
Guaranteeing Ecocide: The Green Lie of Palm Oil Certification

More Greenwashing in the Palm Oil Industry

Unilever and RSPO Certification: Unilever, a major player in the palm oil market, has faced criticism for promoting its use of RSPO-certified palm oil as sustainable. Investigations revealed that despite these claims, Unilever sourced palm oil from suppliers involved in deforestation and habitat destruction. The RSPO certification itself has been criticised for weak enforcement and allowing members to continue harmful practices under the “sustainable” label, (6).

Nestlé and “No Deforestation” Pledge: Nestlé made a high-profile pledge to achieve zero deforestation by 2020, claiming its palm oil would no longer contribute to forest loss. However, reports surfaced showing that Nestlé’s suppliers were still involved in deforestation, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. This discrepancy between Nestlé’s public commitments and actual practices highlights the extent of greenwashing in the palm oil industry, (6).

PepsiCo and Supplier Controversies: PepsiCo has also been implicated in greenwashing. While the company advertises its commitment to sourcing “sustainable” RSPO palm oil, it has been linked to suppliers violating human rights and environmental laws over many years. Investigations found that these suppliers were involved in illegal land clearing and exploitation of indigenous communities, (6).

JBS: The Beef Industry’s Hypocritical Greenwashing

JBS, the world’s largest beef producer, has been sued by Attorney General Letitia James for misrepresenting their products as sustainable. The lawsuit, filed in early 2024, highlights how JBS falsely marketed their beef as eco-friendly while engaging in practices harmful to the environment. This case mirrors the deceptive tactics seen in the palm oil industry, underscoring the widespread nature of corporate greenwashing, (2).

Cartier and the Gold Mining Scandal: A Glittering Facade

The luxury brand Cartier has also been implicated in corporate hypocrisy and greenwashing. Cartier used images of the Amazon Yanomami tribe, which has been devastated by illegal gold mining, in their marketing campaigns to promote their gold jewelry as ethically sourced, (4). Activist Barbara Crane Navarro highlighted the hypocrisy of this act, exposing how Cartier’s practices contribute to environmental destruction and the exploitation of indigenous communities, (4).

Boycotts: A Powerful Weapon Against Corporate Hypocrisy

Boycotts are a significant and powerful lever in calling corporate greed and hypocrisy to account. Research shows that boycotts can effectively influence corporate behaviour by impacting their profits and public image (3). For example, Nestlé faced a successful boycott campaign against deforestation for palm oil in its supply chain, leading to policy changes. Continuous public pressure through boycotts holds corporations accountable and drives them towards more transparent practices (8).

Studies indicate that boycotts can drive significant changes. For instance, according to John and Klein (2003), boycotts are effective in signaling consumer dissatisfaction and can lead to substantial financial impacts (8).

Participate in Creative and Collective Action Against Corporate Hypocrisy

Companies must align their actions with their public statements to maintain trust and avoid the severe public backlash that accompanies perceived deception. Consumers play a critical role by participating in boycotts and demanding transparency and accountability from corporations, (1, 8).

Collective action is not limited to boycotts. Creating art, writing, and music to expose corporate hypocrisy are powerful forms activism in themselves. This can amplify messages and mobilise public sentiment. These creative expressions resonate deeply with people, inspiring them to take action. The work of activist-artist Barbara Crane Navarro’s work in exposing Cartier’s hypocrisy through art and advocacy is a testament to the impact of combining creativity with activism, (1).

To further harness the power of collective action, individuals and organisations can participate in various forms of activism as described on the Palm Oil Detectives website. By engaging in creative forms of activism both online and in-person and by participating in consumer boycotts, we can all hold corporations accountable and drive meaningful change towards a more ethical world.

References

1. Creatives and Conservationists for Cool Creatures (2021). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives
2. Attorney General James Sues World’s Largest Beef Producer for Misrepresenting Products as Sustainable. (2024). Retrieved from Attorney General NY Press Release
3. Boycotts: Do They Work and Why Participate in Them? (2021). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives
4. Cartier uses images of Amazon tribe devastated by illegal gold mining; critics call that hypocrisy. (2023). Retrieved from CTV News
5. Friedrich, M. (2023). Greenwashing in the palm oil industry: Lies, deception, and the fight for sustainability. Journal of Environmental Management, 336, 117–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.01.2938
6. Greenwashing Tactic 7: Lying. (2021). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives
7. Jauernig, J., Uhl, M., & Valentinov, V. (2021). The ethics of corporate hypocrisy: An experimental approach. Futures, 102757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102757
8. John, A., & Klein, J. (2003). The Boycott Puzzle: Consumer Motivations for Purchase Sacrifice. Management Science, 49(9), 1196-1209. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4134035
9. Palm Oil Deforestation in Guatemala: Certifying Products as Sustainable is No Panacea. (2023). Palm Oil Detectives. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives

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Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez in His Own Words

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Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

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Anthropologist and author of ‘In the Shadow of the Palms’ Dr Sophie Chao: In Her Own Words

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Health Physician Dr Evan Allen: In His Own Words

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The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

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How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

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3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

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