In a significant stride towards promoting sustainable practices, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has expanded the reach of its innovative mobile app, PalmOil Scan, to New Zealand and Australia. Collaborating with member institutions Auckland Zoo and Zoos South Australia, WAZA aims to empower consumers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase, particularly focusing on the critical issue of palm oil sourcing.
Since 2017, WAZA has been championing the use of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), recognizing its pivotal role in conserving biodiversity and curbing deforestation in tropical regions worldwide. Dr. Martín Zordan, WAZA CEO, underscores the importance of consumer awareness and empowerment, stating, "It is only when consumers are aware and empowered that they can demand more sustainable alternatives and influence change."
PalmOil Scan operates as a barcode-scanning tool, allowing users to assess a product's commitment to sustainable palm oil sourcing. Companies are categorized on a scale ranging from 'No Commitment' to 'Excellent,' providing users with a tangible way to support sustainable alternatives through their purchasing decisions. This user-friendly app also features a Keyword Search function, enabling consumers to find products based on specific descriptors while allowing direct communication with administrators for any inquiries about a company.
A remarkable aspect of PalmOil Scan is its integration with ethical considerations, aligning seamlessly with the values of an ethical shop dedicated to promoting sustainable African black soap and other fair-trade personal care products. The app serves as a powerful tool for consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices, offering transparency about the palm oil commitments of various companies.
Currently available in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand (via Auckland Zoo), and Australia (via Zoos South Australia), PalmOil Scan relies on WAZA members to serve as app administrators. This ensures effective monitoring of sourcing commitments for companies using palm oil within their regions, fostering accountability and promoting ethical business practices.
The launch of PalmOil Scan in New Zealand and Australia is part of WAZA's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable palm oil among its members. The collaboration between WAZA and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in 2017, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), further solidifies their shared goals and objectives. WAZA has also taken proactive steps by publishing a Short Guide and a dedicated website to assist members in transitioning to certified sustainable palm oil.
For Ziger Naturals, this development aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing consumers with fair-trade, ethically sourced products. As advocates for sustainable personal care, particularly African black soap, we celebrate the launch of PalmOil Scan in New Zealand and Australia. This initiative reflects a growing global awareness of the environmental and social impact of palm oil production, encouraging consumers to make conscious choices that align with our shared values.
PalmOil Scan is available for download from the App Store, Google Play Store, and the WAZA palm oil website. Let's embrace this empowering tool and continue supporting ethical choices that make a positive impact on our planet and communities.
