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The Brazilian farm workers exploited to harvest an everyday ingredient (www.bbc.com)

submitted 7 months ago by recreationalplacebos@midwest.social to c/news@beehaw.org

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Carnauba wax is a product you may not have heard of, but you have almost certainly consumed it - it is added to sweets to stop them melting, to pills to make them easier to swallow and as a thickener in lipstick and mascara.

Workers in Brazil's poor north-eastern state of Piauí rely on harvesting wax from carnauba palm trees to earn a living. But the power is in the hands of big business who, authorities say, are turning a blind eye to exploitation.

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[–] Megaman_EXE@beehaw.org 1 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

I wish we could have a system that didn't exploit people. It seems that unless you're at the top of the capitalist hierarchy, you and those around you are getting the short stick. There's no ethical consumption under capitalism

Then throw a roll of the dice for where you are born, and your outcomes vary greatly. It's frustrating that it is so unfair for so many people.

I sometimes think that I'm struggling, but then I hear about all these unfortunate souls trapped in an absolutely terrible situation, and it simultaneously makes me grateful but frustrated. I don't understand how some people can treat others with so little regard.