Talking With Your Girl about Palm Oil
Questions have been raised about the sustainability and labor
practices used in palm oil production, which is used to make Girl
Scout cookies– and almost all baked goods, cosmetics and other
consumer goods. Little Brownie Bakers, our cookie company, has taken a
strong stand to ensure that their sources are using responsible
practices and their parent company, Ferrara, has received the top
rating from the World Wildlife Fund. Many of our troops responded to
this discussion with an interest in using this as an educational
opportunity about the global impact we all have with the food and
other products we use every day.
This “Discover, Connect, Take Action” approach is exactly what Girl
Scouts is about. The following discussion guide contains Girl Scout
activities that broadly address “creating a sustainable world,” along
with a link to a resource that provides more in-depth information and
activities on palm oil issues. The GSWO team created this to support
you and your girls as they take the first steps in exploring complex issues.
Girl Scout Guide to Global Issues: Sustainability
Why is palm oil used in Girl Scout Cookies?
Palm oil is an ingredient found in the majority of baked snacks
sold in the United States. Per GSUSA's licensed bakers, it continues
to be necessary to use palm oil in our cookies to ensure their shelf
life, to bring you the highest quality products, and to serve as an
alternative to trans fats. While we continue to explore other
alternatives, at this time, there are no viable or readily available
alternatives on the market.