In August of 2008, Scenter of the Mind received hundreds of emails from individuals who were part of a campaign run by the Rainforest Action Network (RAN). The letters brought the issue of rainforest destruction for palm plantations to our attention. This letter urged us to phase out the use of palm oil, comply with Rainforest Action Network's other demands, research our supply chain, and support the moratorium on palm oil expansion in tropical rainforests. RAN also wanted us to sign their pledge.
Scenter of the Mind responded to each and every email. We researched the issue, our supply of palm oil and were assured that the palm oil we received is from an ethical, sustainable source. To further insure we use ethical palm oil we will be switching to organic palm. We signed the pledge with RAN, although with some reservations which we will address below.
To further support the efforts to save rainforests we formulated two varieties of palm oil free soaps. While we will still use ethical palm oil in our other bars, we felt it was important to offer this alternative to our clients who choose to avoid palm oil altogether. We believe in supporting the protection of the environment and our clients who choose to do the same.
Also worth mentioning is that while we support and applaud RAN's intentions to protect the environment we are not comfortable with some of RAN's methods.
Scenter of the Mind also believes firmly in acceptance. We do not place judgement on others. Our intentions have always been to peacefully provide alternatives for those like-minded individuals who choose to not want synthetic chemicals in their personal care products, on their bodies, or dumped down the drain into the environment. We strive to keep our products affordable to provide a choice for as many people as possible. We try to educate and leave it up to each and every individual to decide for themselves how they will live their lives.
Environmental and social responsibilities are very complex issues. Everyone has their own personal beliefs, causes and needs. For example, it may not be financially possible for some people to only buy fair trade, organic, socially responsible products. There are also companies that perhaps cause pollution but at the same time employ people who's families and lives depend on that job. There are no easy answers to this and other environmental problems. It would be great if everyone had the same ideas and worked together for the same causes but it is not realistic. We are all individuals with our own way of life. While we strive to protect the environment in our own way, live according to our beliefs, and support causes we believe in, Scenter of the Mind always places acceptance, not judgement, of other's individuality, choices and freedom above all.
Here is the letter we received from the RAN campaign.
Scenter Of The Mind CEO Sir or Madam
Dear *Scenter Of The Mind CEO or Madam,
I am writing to express my concern about the use of palm oil in your products, and to urge you to join forces with the Rainforest Action Network in putting pressure on Cargill, ADM, and the other agribusiness companies who are destroying the rainforest, the climate, and communities for this oil.
Today more than 2000 people volunteered to go to their local stores across North America and put bright yellow stickers reading "Warning! Product May Contain Rainforest Destruction" on products made with palm oil--including yours.
As I am sure you are aware, palm oil production is linked to the destruction of our climate and irreplaceable tropical> ecosystems. For instance, tropical rainforest destruction is responsible for one-fifth of current global greenhouse emissions--and the leading cause of tropical deforestation in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands is palm oil plantation expansion.
In addition, the expansion of palm oil plantations can be devastating for the communities and for the animals that rely on the rainforest for their survival. More than five million Indigenous people will be forced off their land by 2010 to create room for palm plantations, according to the United Nations.
As a purchaser of palm oil, you are in a unique position to demand that the growers and traders of palm oil -- companies such as Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Bunge, and Cargill --> operate in a fair and ethical manner.
Companies that use palm oil can ensure that rainforests, communities, and the climate are not sacrificed for the expansion of palm oil plantations. You can be part of the solution by phasing out the use of palm oil and switching to alternative oils until more responsible palm oil sources are made available. I also urge you to comply with Rainforest Action Network's other demands, and
* Research your own supply chain and let RAN know who provides the palm oil that you use in your products. * Contact your palm oil suppliers and tell them that if they are unable to provide a supply that can be independently verified as not being derived from recently cleared tropical rainforests, then you will find an alternative supplier and/or phase out palm oil from your products all together. * Support the moratorium on palm oil expansion in tropical rainforests.
You can learn more about palm oil at http://www.theproblemwithpalmoil.org
As a consumer, I want to be sure that the products I use do not contain rainforest destruction. Please become a leader in environmental and socially sustainability, and contact RAN now at TheProblemWithPalmOil@ran.org.
Yours Sincerely,
This is a copy of our response letter.
I am replying to let you know your voice was heard here at Scenter of the Mind. I applaud your social and environmental conscience as I know how hard and complex these issues can be. After receiving 1000's of emails of which yours was one I felt compelled to respond to each and every one.Scenter of the Mind is a small home-based business run entirely by one person, me, in an attempt to help provide for my family. I have 4 children, one of which was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida. I also work outside the home and do this business in my spare time. It helps pay some of the bills and also is used to help support many charities and good causes I am associated with such as Spina Bifida Association of Illinois http://www.sbail.org/.
I use less than 50 pounds of palm oil per year. I use palm oil in my soap to replace tallow and other animal fats and do so in good conscience. All the ingredients in my soaps are carefully chosen so as to not harm the environment in any way. If you go to my website http://scenterofthemind.com/aboutus.html and read "about us" you will see that I am all about environmental and social conscience, protecting the health of humans and the environment.
I am glad you brought this issue to my attention. I will continue to source the best ingredients for my soaps and be guided by my conscience and good, fair business practices. I hope that in your quest for better, healthier, more socially responsible products you will consider trying my soap, Inspirit, and herbal products.
All the best to you,
Linda Faust
Scenter of the Mind
http://www.scenterofthemind.com
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