A Great Soapy Outcome

Fantastic news everyone!  Remember all of those wonderful comments on my post “Lather Up Folks!“, where some of you started a conversation about the damage that the clearing of Indonesian and Malaysian Rainforest for Palm Oil plantations is doing to the habitat of the Orangutan due to western demand for the product.  Well, I received an email yesterday from Yvonne Cowell, who owns Aussie Soap Supply.  I would just like to point out that, I have in no way, received any financial or material gain from Aussie Soap Supply at any time.  I simply want to thank her for a good deed and thought I would share it with all of my readers.

Here it the email, reproduced with Yvonne’s permission;

Hi Gavin and Kim,

 

Not quite sure where to start.  I have received quite a few enquiries from your Website – The Greening of Gavin.

 

I would like to say that I’ve had a look and am very impressed with what you’ve done here.  Thank you very much for referencing Aussie Soap Supply in your work.

 

I have read your blog, and think that you have done a marvellous job. I have added some information on your comments section for your followers.

 

I’d like to add a few comments for you – (just for your info) this is not on the comments posted.

 

*  You are quite right about Palm Oil.  Unfortunately its been used by soapmakers for years as it is a fantastic oil that aids in producing a harder bar of soap, along with other desirable qualities.

 

But, the use has serious consequences on our environment as you’ve explained.

 

In response and in an effort to do something myself for our planet – I would like to limit the use of this product myself (ie. NOT USE IT and deter other people).  I will also include a message to people informing them of the consequences of its use, on the product details. So everyone can make an informed decision before purchasing it.

Unfortunately there are many soap makers that do use it and are reluctant to change.  There are plenty of other Oils to use in its place that are a much better choice, in my opinion.

 

The Soap Calculator you’ve included on your blog – is the one I use and is the best in my opinion, as it basically tells you the qualities your finished soap will have and also the amount of Caustic to use. Other soap calculators tell you the amount of lye to use – but they don’t tell you the finished properties which is fantastic if you are not a chemist. (Like me)

 

I feel in the interest of our Planet and our Wildlife and in an effort to do something myself – I am going to change my kit to not contain this ingredient.  The new kit will contain Olive Oil and Coconut Oil and a new recipe to go with it.