Diamond Green Diesel, a prominent player in the renewable diesel production industry in the United States, has come under fire for its connections to Brazilian slaughterhouses involved in illegal deforestation. The company imports beef tallow from a supplier fed by these slaughterhouses, including one that purchased cattle from a rancher described by Brazilian authorities as the “largest destroyer of the Amazon” ever investigated.
Investigative journalism by Repórter Brasil has uncovered documents revealing these troubling connections between Diamond Green Diesel’s supplier chain and slaughterhouses implicated in illegal deforestation practices. This raises concerns about the environmental impact of alternative fuels, such as renewable diesel, which are often touted as environmentally friendly. However, the use of livestock inputs in their production can contribute to deforestation, as warned by experts like Tim Searchinger from Princeton University.
Deforestation is a significant driver of global greenhouse gas emissions, with Brazil being a key contributor to this issue. Despite claims by Diamond Green Diesel that its industrial plant can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil diesel, the company has not addressed the sourcing of tallow from deforested areas in its supply chain.
In addition to producing renewable diesel, Diamond Green Diesel’s facility in Texas also manufactures sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. However, the company’s ties to slaughterhouses involved in illegal deforestation raise questions about the sustainability of its operations.
Customs documents reviewed by Repórter Brasil revealed that Diamond Green Diesel purchases beef tallow from the Fasa Group, a Brazilian company acquired by Darling Ingredients, one of Diamond Green Diesel’s owners. The Fasa Group has subsidiaries in the Amazon that source tallow from slaughterhouses linked to illegal deforestation practices. One such slaughterhouse, Frialto, was found to have purchased cattle from a notorious rancher accused of extensive deforestation in the Amazon.
Despite claims by Frialto that it had suspended business with the rancher’s properties after his arrest, questions remain about the company’s sourcing practices. Diamond Green Diesel, Fasa Group, Darling Ingredients, and Valero Energy (another owner of Diamond Green Diesel) have all declined to comment on these allegations.
Another case uncovered by Repórter Brasil involves the LKJ slaughterhouse, which purchased cattle from a ranch in the Cerrado biome with a history of illegal deforestation. A subsidiary of the Fasa Group in Pará state received residues from LKJ and supplied beef tallow to Diamond Green Diesel, further implicating the company in deforestation-related activities.
When contacted, LKJ admitted to a failure in its internal procedures regarding the purchase of cattle from embargoed areas but claimed to have a policy against buying from such areas. The lack of transparency and accountability in Diamond Green Diesel’s supply chain raises serious concerns about the environmental impact of its operations and the sustainability of its products. Brazil’s Export of Tallow Raises Concerns About Deforestation
In recent years, the export of tallow from Brazil to the United States has been on the rise, sparking concerns about its impact on deforestation in the Amazon. Tallow, derived from bovine tissue waste, is a byproduct of the meat industry and is often used in various products, including animal feed and biofuels. However, its production has raised questions about the sourcing of cattle and the environmental implications of its extraction.
One of the major players in this industry is the Fasa Group, a Brazilian supplier of tallow that was recently acquired by Darling Ingredients. The company has come under scrutiny for its sourcing practices, particularly its relationship with LKJ, a slaughterhouse in Brazil. LKJ was found to have slaughtered animals that did not meet anti-deforestation criteria set by Brazil’s Federal Prosecution Office, raising concerns about the company’s commitment to sustainability.
In addition to Fasa, LKJ also sourced tallow from Minerva, Brazil’s second-largest beef company. Customs data revealed that tallow from Minerva was also being exported to the US, further highlighting the interconnected nature of the industry and the potential risks associated with it.
A study by the organization Mighty Earth identified one of the suppliers to these companies as the largest deforester in the Brazilian Pantanal, who was fined for clearing a significant amount of native vegetation. This revelation raised questions about the accountability of companies like Minerva and their role in contributing to deforestation through their supply chains.
The increase in tallow exports from Brazil to the US has raised concerns about the environmental impact of the industry. Tallow is not subject to the same traceability requirements as beef, making it difficult to track its origin and ensure that it is sourced sustainably. This lack of transparency has led to calls for greater oversight and regulation of the tallow industry to prevent further deforestation in the Amazon.
Environmental experts like Searchinger have pointed out that the growth of biofuels, which rely on tallow as a feedstock, is only possible because of public subsidies. Instead of supporting industries that contribute to deforestation, Searchinger suggests that rich countries should invest in environmental conservation in countries like Brazil to protect forests and promote sustainable practices.
As the demand for tallow continues to grow, it is essential for companies in the industry to prioritize sustainability and responsible sourcing practices to mitigate the environmental impact of their operations. By working together to address these issues, stakeholders can help ensure that the production and export of tallow do not come at the expense of the Amazon rainforest and its biodiversity. A New Perspective on Mental Health: The Importance of Self-Care
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and the impact it has on our overall well-being. From anxiety and depression to stress and burnout, mental health issues can affect anyone at any time. However, one aspect that is often overlooked in the conversation about mental health is the importance of self-care.
Self-care encompasses a wide range of activities and practices that help us take care of our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It involves making time for ourselves, prioritizing our needs, and practicing self-compassion. While self-care may seem like a luxury or a selfish act to some, it is actually an essential component of maintaining good mental health.
One of the key benefits of self-care is that it helps us manage stress and prevent burnout. By taking the time to relax and unwind, we can recharge our batteries and improve our resilience to stressors. This, in turn, can help us avoid the negative effects of chronic stress, such as anxiety and depression.
Self-care also plays a crucial role in building self-esteem and confidence. When we prioritize our needs and treat ourselves with kindness and compassion, we send a powerful message to ourselves that we are worthy of love and care. This can boost our self-esteem and help us develop a more positive self-image.
In addition, self-care can improve our relationships with others. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to show up for our loved ones and support them in meaningful ways. By prioritizing our own well-being, we can become more present, attentive, and empathetic towards others.
So, what does self-care look like in practice? It can take many forms, from taking a walk in nature to practicing mindfulness or engaging in a creative hobby. It can also involve setting boundaries with others, saying no when we need to, and seeking professional help when necessary.
Ultimately, self-care is about listening to our own needs and taking the time to nurture ourselves. It is not a selfish act, but rather a necessary one in order to maintain good mental health and well-being. By making self-care a priority in our lives, we can cultivate a greater sense of balance, resilience, and joy.
