Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Palm Oil initiative is a groundbreaking effort to promote sustainable palm oil production and empower consumers to make informed, environmentally-friendly shopping decisions. As a leader in sustainable palm oil advocacy for over a decade, the Zoo has launched a global mobile app, PalmOil Scan, in collaboration with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and other top conservation-minded zoos.

What is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Palm Oil?

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Palm Oil is an initiative that aims to address the environmental impact of unsustainable palm oil production. Palm oil is a highly versatile and widely used edible oil, found in approximately 50% of the products we consume, including food, cosmetics, and household items. However, the rapid expansion of palm oil plantations has led to widespread deforestation, habitat loss, and the endangerment of species like orangutans, tigers, and elephants.

The PalmOil Scan App: A Powerful Tool for Consumers

The cornerstone of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Palm Oil initiative is the PalmOil Scan app, a free smartphone application available on the Apple App Store and Google Play in the U.S. and Canada. This innovative app allows users to scan barcodes or search by product keyword to determine if a company is committed to sourcing sustainable palm oil.

The app’s extensive database contains information on thousands of brands and hundreds of consumer product manufacturers, revealing their level of commitment to certified sustainable palm oil. This empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and play a role in driving demand for sustainable palm oil.

Educational Resources and Advocacy

In addition to the PalmOil Scan app, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s palm oil team provides a wealth of educational resources on the impact of palm oil production on tropical species and their habitats. These resources help consumers understand the importance of sustainable palm oil and why boycotting is not the answer.

The Zoo’s palm oil team also offers free letter-writing resources to help consumers encourage their favorite companies to commit to using sustainably produced palm oil in their products. These efforts have made a significant impact, with companies responding positively to consumer feedback and taking steps to improve their palm oil sourcing practices.

The Importance of Sustainable Palm Oil

Palm oil is the most productive edible oil available, requiring less land, pesticides, and fertilizers than other oil alternatives. When produced sustainably, palm oil can be an environmentally-friendly and economically viable option. However, unsustainable palm oil production has resulted in deforestation across Southeast Asia and other tropical regions, threatening the survival of critically endangered species.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Palm Oil initiative is dedicated to ensuring that the palm oil consumers use is sourced in a sustainable manner, protecting wildlife and wild places. By empowering consumers with the PalmOil Scan app and educational resources, the Zoo is making a significant impact in the fight for sustainable palm oil.

The Impact of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Palm Oil

Since its launch, the PalmOil Scan app has been downloaded over 155,000 times, demonstrating the growing demand for sustainable palm oil among consumers. The app’s extensive database and user-friendly interface have made it a valuable tool for individuals who want to make a difference with their purchasing decisions.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s palm oil team has also worked tirelessly to engage with companies and encourage them to adopt sustainable palm oil practices. Their letter-writing resources have been instrumental in driving positive change, with companies responding to consumer feedback and taking steps to improve their palm oil sourcing.

Conclusion

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Palm Oil initiative is a shining example of how zoos can leverage their influence and expertise to drive meaningful change for the environment and the species they aim to protect. By empowering consumers with the PalmOil Scan app and educational resources, the Zoo is making a tangible difference in the fight for sustainable palm oil production.

As a zoo touring enthusiast, I encourage you to download the PalmOil Scan app, educate yourself on the importance of sustainable palm oil, and use your purchasing power to support companies committed to protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home.

References:
– PalmOil Scan on Google Play
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Helps Launch Global Mobile App to Empower Consumers to Save Wildlife and Wild Places
– Orangutans & Palm Oil
– Palm Oil: The Good, the Bad, and the App that Can Help You Save Rainforests
– PalmOil Scan on the App Store