Chuan Sze Min, Ayn (FASS), Hong Chuan Yin (FoS), Lim Jun Lin (FoE), Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh (SDE), Teng Lin Chiat (FoS)
Academic Advisor: Mr. Lim Cheng Puay
Industry Advisor: Ms. Zhang Wen (PM.Haze)
Palm oil is pervasive in our daily lives: from the food we consume to the toiletries we use for personal hygiene. As palm oil can be used for various purposes, the demand for palm oil will definitely increase. A report by United Nations Environment Programme acknowledges that oil palm plantations are now the main reason for rainforest destruction in Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2013, Singapore experienced the worst haze outbreak as the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) hit 400 due to smog blown over from forest fires in Indonesia. Since then, people are more concerned about haze. Purchasing a product that contains palm oil will be akin to supporting companies which allow uncontrolled deforestation. Our group would like to raise awareness among NUS students about this pressing haze issue. This is done through engaging dialogue sessions, workshops and educational visuals. With these, we hope that more will buy products with Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) label or products that do not contain any palm oil.
Keywords: Food, Culture and Lifestyle Trends, Responsible Consumption, Palm Oil, Sustainable consumption