Why Is Side Oven Bakery A Sustainable Palm Oil Champion?

Some fantastic news is out for anyone who loves good food and a healthy planet. Side Oven Bakery, a much-loved local spot, has officially been named the newest Sustainable Palm Oil Champion for the Hull and East Yorkshire region. It’s a big deal, not just for the bakery but for everyone in the area. This exciting step is part of a wider community initiative led by The Deep, aiming to put the region on the map for its incredible commitment to sustainability and conservation.

So, what’s the big deal with palm oil?

Chances are, you’ve used something with palm oil in it today without even realising. It’s in about half of all the stuff you find in a supermarket, from biscuits and bread to soap and lipstick. Why? Because it’s an incredibly efficient crop. It gives a massive amount of vegetable oil from a relatively small amount of land; it actually supplies 35% of the world's vegetable oil from just 10% of the land used for oil crops. Sounds great, right? Well, there’s a catch. When it’s not grown responsibly, the impact can be pretty bad. Unsustainable palm oil production is linked to the destruction of rainforests, which harms river systems and threatens the homes of amazing animals like orangutans and tigers. These poor agricultural practices are a major concern for global conservation efforts. But there is a solution: sustainable palm oil. This is palm oil grown in a way that protects wildlife and the environment, making it a much better choice for everyone.

Meet the new champion: Side Oven Bakery

It makes perfect sense that Side Oven Bakery is the new champion for this brilliant campaign. Situated at Carr House Farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, this isn't just any old bakery. The Sellers family has been working the land here for six generations. They grow a whole range of their own organic cereals and fruits, processing everything by hand using traditional methods. Their whole approach is built on a deep respect for nature and a solid commitment to sustainability. So, when the opportunity came to join the sustainable palm oil initiative, it was a natural fit. This award-winning East Yorkshire bakery was already on a mission to do things the right way, and this pledge just takes that commitment one step further.

What does being a champion actually mean?

Becoming a sustainable palm oil champion is a significant commitment. It means the Side Oven Bakery has pledged to source only certified Sustainable Palm Oil (SPO) for its products. This isn't a one-time thing, either. The bakery will be carrying out regular audits, which are like check-ups, to make sure all its suppliers are sticking to the highest standards of sustainability. It’s a promise to their customers and to the planet. By taking this step, the team is helping to protect wildlife around the globe from the impact of harmful agricultural practices. It's a powerful statement that shows how a local bakery in East Yorkshire can be part of a global solution, proving that every business, no matter its size, can make a positive change. This is a real-life example of a business stepping up to its responsibilities.

The Deep's big campaign for the region

This whole thing is part of a larger campaign being driven by The Deep, Hull's amazing aquarium. As a conservation charity, its mission goes way beyond what’s in the tanks. The Deep is determined to make the entire Hull and East Yorkshire region a beacon of sustainability. They are following in the footsteps of their friends at Chester Zoo, who have run a hugely successful sustainable palm oil campaign. Working in partnership with key organisations like AAK and Murdoch Associates, The Deep is spearheading this important community initiative. The goal is to get lots of local organisations involved, creating a powerful network of businesses dedicated to making a difference. This is more than just a marketing campaign; it's a movement to shift the entire region towards a more sustainable future. The initiative calls for local businesses to join as either a champion or as ambassadors for the cause.

Katy Duke, Chief Executive Officer at The Deep, shared her thoughts on the new partnership:

“We are so pleased to have Side Oven Bakery on-board as our latest champion, an organisation which aligns with The Deep’s ethos and commitment to sustainability.”

“As a charity rooted in Hull, The Deep are proud to be spearheading this important initiative in the region, and are calling on local businesses to consider joining the campaign.”

“No matter how small or large your organisation, whether you’d like to become a champion or spread the word as an ambassador, everyone can help make a difference.”

How can you and your business get involved?

The call from The Deep is clear: everyone can play a part. The sustainable palm oil campaign is looking for more local businesses in the Hull and East Yorkshire region to join the cause. Whether it's a small café or a large manufacturer, any organisation can contribute. Businesses can become a champion like Side Oven Bakery by overhauling their supply chains to use only sustainable palm oil. Or, they can join as ambassadors, helping to spread the word and raise awareness within the community. Think of ambassadors as the cheerleaders for the campaign, sharing information and encouraging others to make better choices. Both roles are vital for the success of this fantastic community initiative. If you are part of a local business and feel inspired to join this movement, you can express your interest by getting in touch with the marketing team at The Deep: marketing@thedeep.co.uk . It’s a chance to show your commitment to conservation and become part of a story of positive change right here in our region.