Primary 7 have been studying The Rainforest as part of our IDL work, and looking at the impact of human activity on the biodiversity of plants and animals. We have looked specifically at the journey and story of Palm Oil, as many Rainforest environments are being destroyed due to its production and therefore, use, in many everyday products.
Our Art installation considers the theme of conscious consumerism, and tries to promote a greater understanding of the consequences of our purchases beyond the supermarket checkout. We hope to change your attitudes towards what you’re buying, and how to check packaging and labelling with an analysing eye.
Primary 7’s rehearsal for the Q&A;
How does what’s happening in the Rainforest affect us?
-There will be less oxygen in the air, as the rainforest trees can be described as the “lungs of the planet”
-Plants and tree species could have potential, undiscovered medicines
-It affects us because we will no longer have a range of animals to appreciate and study/see. No more fluffy animals to admire.
Can you describe the journey of palm oil from the plant to our shelves?
- In the Rainforest, they take the palm oil fruit from the tree and the harvesters gather this and take it to a local factory.
- They squeeze the fruit to extract the oil. They then ship it to different countries internationally.
- When it arrives at its destination, it is then used to produce everyday materials that we find on our shelves.
- It is then transported to our local supermarket, and is ready for us to buy.
What can we do to help? Can we make a difference?
-Get in touch with local businesses and make sure they understand the palm oil crisis
-Hold a persuasive meeting/write persuasive letters to local supermarkets
-Buy alternatives to palm oil, or be mindful when shopping to look for an RSPO sustainable label
-Spread the word around our local community/global companies/try to educate people worldwide
What are the consequences of unsafe, unregulated palm oil production?
-The rainforest will continue to be wiped out
-Local, indigenous tribes could be forced to leave their homes
-Animals will lose their habitat
Here’s a sneak peak of our installation, we will post some more pictures of our amazing models later…
The gold curtains are a symbol of money and consumerism. Our signs, for contactless payments, or logos associated with online shopping, are meant to represent just how easy it is to purchase items and spend money, without really thinking. It is a bid to show the judges how we can all become consumed, victims of materialism and buying for want over need.
Displayed on our conveyor belt are everyday products which contain Palm Oil. Bet you didn’t realise just how much stuff we use and eat with its addition, right?!
