Everything we do has some affect on the environment. We need to make wise choices in our use of the resources that we have. I have thoroughly researched every ingredient that I have chosen to put in my candles and soaps. I have worked with many different suppliers settling only on those who can prove that there is no unnecessary environmental damage in the planting, harvesting, and production of each of my raw materials. My supplier of organic palm kernel oil only works with palm plantations in Brazil where the oversight is more manageable and the resulting palm products are truly sustainable and cruelty-free.

I am aware of the problems associated with the growing demand for palm oil. It is contributing to the destruction of rain forests across South East Asia. Here (http://nothoney.com/2007/11/01/orangutan-extinction-in-20-years-take-action-to-stop-illegal-logging/)is an interesting article, however, blaming illegal timber harvesting for contributing to the demise of orangutan habitats. The growing demand for palm oil, mainly driven by the biofuel industry, is not the only environmental concern for many different wild habitats that are in danger. As we grow in numbers, we will have an impact on our environment. We can take steps to minimize this impact, and work to reverse some of the damage, but we can't pretend it's possible to leave no footprint at all. Just because palm oil is not being produced responsibly in one region of the world (where environmental standards are not met on a much larger scale), does not mean that it can not or is not being produced responsibly in another area of the world.

I am not determined to produce my palm products at any cost. I am content to continue making them, however, as long as I am satisfied that my raw materials are coming from a sustainable source. As for candles, palm wax is grown on trees and picked rather that sown in a field and harvested, requiring much less energy and labor. And the palm kernel has one of the highest oil contents of any plant, so a lot of wax can be grown in a small amount of space. Unlike many other plants grown for their oils (soya bean and sunflower, for instance--that need to be planted yearly), the palm will not need to be replanted for 25-30 years. If this wax is obtained from a truly sustainable source, it is a good choice for environmentally friendly candle production.

I will continue to monitor the situation and it's global impact. I have been reassured again from my palm supplier that they are confident in their oversight of cruelty-free palm growth, harvesting, and production. You can read more about their green business practices here (http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/about/guiding.html). I also contacted an acquaintance at Green America for her opinion. Read more about Green America here (http://www.coopamerica.org/). She stated that sourcing from a reputable company, one committed to responsible sourcing of its ingredients, is the best option.

It is more expensive to buy from companies who are doing this right. Buying "fair trade" and "organic" raw materials are more costly, because environmental standards are put in place and followed and people are treated fairly. It is worth the extra cost. Buying from companies that support sustainable palm plantations has the potential to allow whole indigenous communities to grow and prosper while producing a very useful, green product. I will continue to make my products with sustainable palm oil and keep a close eye on new developments--both positive and negative.