Gemunu Amarasinghe/AP Global Citizen LifeDefeat Poverty How to Make Sure the Palm Oil in the Products You Buy Is Ethical and Sustainable Palm oil is the most ubiquitous vegetable oil in the world. Why Global Citizens Should Care Palm oil is largely cultivated in unethical and unsustainable ways. The United Nations calls on countries to treat laborers fairly and to protect the environment. You can join us in taking action on related issues here. Ima is a 10-year-old girl from Malaysia who wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. Instead, she was forced to leave the classroom behind and toil on a palm fruit plantation for up to 12 hours a day alongside her family, according to a recent investigation by AP.