Two Girl Scouts are taking issue with the infamous cookies sold by the organization. While working on their Bronze Award project, Madison Vorva and Rhiannon Tomtishen learned that palm oil production poses a threat to orangutans. They were further dismayed to discover that the very cookies they sold every year to raise money for the Girl Scouts contained palm oil.

Even though they are only 12 years old, Madison and Rhiannon have taken up a crusade on behalf of the creatures. The first natural step was a boycott of the cookies. Even though they have sold them for years, both girls decided to sell magazines instead this year. They also give presentations at local schools and are working on a website devoted to the cause. They've also got a petition going, with at least one well-known signature: Jane Goodall, primate researcher and advocate, met the girls at a conference and signed the petition against palm oil.

You really just want to reach out and do all that you can to help save them," Madison said.

For their part, the Girl Scouts claim the organization only uses palm oil that is grown on rehabilitated land or in areas that have been previously cleared, as well as saying that they are looking to ways to make the cookies with as little palm oil as possible. The organization has also invited the girls to give their presentation to Girl Scout leaders prior to the cookie drive next year.

» The Seattle Times