Bees are dying around the world. But as a part of the Action Book Club Program, we've compiled 10 easy ways you can help #SaveTheBees.
The Finnish book we read (The Blood of Angels) we read for our online book club spotlighted a future world where bee deaths created global food shortages. Our current world is not that far away from such devastation since bees are responsible for about 1/3 of the food we eat & horrifying bee losses are being reported with 33% of domesticated bees & 23% of wild bees dead in the US!
These same problems are occurring everywhere across the globe, but you can help #SaveTheBees:
1. Share this post.
Make your social network aware of the issue by sharing this post with the tag #SaveTheBees.
2. Sign a petition.
Make your voice heard using the largest global web movement calling on decision makers to save the bees & the global food supply.
3. Give thirsty bees a free drink.
Bees die of thirst, but you can make a difference by putting a shallow dish of fresh water outside with mini "islands" of marbles/rocks/cork. (Bees can drown so don't forget to include the islands!)
4. Buy local, raw honey.
Supermarket honey is a blend of honeys from many different countries & floral origins (& sometimes includes corn syrup!). There’s no way for you to know it's origins or composition. It's also processed, heated & filtered so that it has a color & translucence that we have mistakenly come to know as "honey." Real honey is locally-produced, raw honey which you can buy at farmer's markets, specialty grocery stores, local apiaries & even online from companies like Bee Raw. You’ve heard of wine flights where you try different wines? Bee Raw even offers a honey flight packaged in beautiful glass vials.
5. Use eco-friendly honey instead of highly-processed sugar.
Instead of unhealthy sugar in your recipes, use local, raw honey which is better for you & the environment. Here are some delicious honey recipes to try.
6. Avoid using garden & lawn chemicals.
Pesticides, insecticides & many fertilizers are not only decimating bee & other wildlife populations, but are linked to cancer in people. Switch to a strategy of integrated pest management or opt for organic fertilizers & biological controls. Better for your family & the bees.
7. Plant native, bee-friendly flowers & flowering herbs.
Bees are suffering from malnutrition. Any person who has even a postage-stamp yard (or a windowsill!) can put in native bee-friendly plants & leave some wild areas to give bees a place to nourish themselves & their hive. Butterflies & hummingbirds will love these areas as much as the bees do! Here are guides on which native plants are best: US | Canada | UK
8. Let clover, dandelions & other useful "weeds" bloom.
Before mowing your lawn, allow these useful "weeds" to bloom so bees can benefit from these important nectar & pollen sources.
9. Encourage schools to promote bee-friendly programs.
Help expose students to new ideas about food, wildlife & plants through bee-friendly programs & school garden kits: US | Canada | UK
10. Donate (even small amounts help!)
Donate to an organization dedicated to helping protect/promote bees & other pollinators. We love The Pollinator Partnership which was given the highest rating (4 stars) from Charity Navigator.
To learn more about bees
Check out this great article on bees from DIY Garden! (Their site is also chock full of creative gardening tips you'll love as well.)