Soroptimist International is an organisation for women who want to make a difference. Cwmbran and District members had two very interesting speakers who showed them how to make a difference by the choices we make when we shop.

The first speaker was Glynis Pope from the Little Welsh Chocolate Factory who explained the research she had undertaken into all the issues concerning palm oil, it’s production and the affect it has on the environment She told us all the items that contain palm oil and how it is not always listed as palm oil but by another name.

Glynis explained they did not use palm oil in their chocolate, but big manufacturers did by selling off the cocoa butter to cosmetic firms and then replacing it with palm oil.

Glynis suggested things we can all do to help:

 The app Giki tells you if a product contains palm oil when you scan the barcode

 Buy own brand products from shops that use RSPO certified palm oilsuch as M&S, Waitrose or Body Shop

 Check a company’s palm oil rating on the WWF buyer’s scorecard

 Support organisations such as Rainforest Rescue and others supporting orangutan survival.

 Sign petitions, and support animal-based charities

 Educate yourself with resources from the RSPOsmetic firms and then replacing it with palm oil.

Their second speaker was Lauren Morse of Zero Waste Torfaen. Lauren also sources all the items she sells ethically. She told us her story of starting up her business first in the shed in her back garden by appointment selling refillable non-food items such as washing up liquid, soap, and shampoo.

She now has a shop and stocks all sorts of items from toilet rolls to chocolate treats. All ethically sourced as locally as possible.

She said we could make a difference by changing things slowly and felt people did not always persevere if they tried to change too many things at once.

An interesting question and answer session took place afterwards.

The group thanked Lauren for being an inspiration and a perfect speaker for a Soroptimist meeting where they aim for all girls and women to reach their potential.