As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to festive gatherings, delicious treats, and the joy of giving. However, amidst the merriment, it's crucial to remember our impact on the planet and the creatures we share it with. This holiday season, give the gift that keeps on giving - to both your loved ones and orangutans! Orangutans face many challenges in the wild, but we can all play a role in helping them.
Here are some simple steps you can take this holiday season that will make a difference:
Buy products made with only sustainable palm oil, a common ingredient in a wide range of products and holiday treats.
Make orangutan friendly choices with the most extensive and popular sustainable palm oil mobile shopping guide, Palm Oil Scan. Use PalmOil Scan, produced under the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and led by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Chester Zoo, Auckland Zoo, and Zoos SA, to check if the product you are about to purchase is “orangutan friendly” and RSPO certified.
Did you know? When palm oil is produced sustainably, it can provide long-term livelihoods for both farmers and producers while helping halt deforestation. The RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) organization sets standards for sustainable palm oil production, ensuring that it is produced without harm to wildlife, or exploitation of workers.
Support an orangutan conservation organization.
Donate to an organization that is working to protect orangutans and their habitat. There are many great organizations to choose from, such as APE Malaysia, HUTAN, Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, Borneo Nature Foundation, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation and the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme.
Give a gift of learning and curiosity.
Share the wonders of orangutans with educational books, documentaries, and even symbolic orangutan adoption kits. These gifts are great for children and adults alike and not only educate and entertain, but are a great way encourage a loved one to learn more about orangutans.
By making conscious choices, you can help protect orangutans and their rainforest homes this holiday season and beyond. Together we can make a difference for these incredible creatures and help ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and wonder of orangutans in the wild.