It’s World Bee Day next week (Monday 20th May), and there’s no better time to celebrate these clever little creatures!
What Makes Bees So Important?
Can you imagine a world without blueberries, coffee, chocolate… void of much nutritional diversity? They may be small, but bees play a mighty role in our biodiversity and agriculture.
More than 75% of the world’s food crops depend, to some extent, on pollination – and at the backbone of that process, you can find pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, moths, beetles, and even bats1.
What’s the problem?
Modern agricultural practices have seen a drastic decline in pollinator populations – with close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, and about 17 percent of vertebrate pollinators, such as bats, facing extinction globally. This is largely a result of intensive agricultural practices, changes in land use, pesticide use, diseases, invasive species, pests and climate change1.
Although many of these issues are often left in the hands of decision-makers, as a consumer, you have the power to vote with your wallet, shop consciously and grow a space to help bees thrive. Find our top tips below!
How Can You Help?
1: Grow Diverse and Native Plants
Not only do plants need bees to grow, bees need plants! In an increasingly urban environment, your garden can provide a nutrient-dense oasis for bees. Whether that be a small pot of lavender on your balcony or an entire backyard garden, every bit counts. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy having beautiful blooms in your home.
We love this guide to Top 10 Flowers to Attract Australian Bees from 1 Million Women – check it out to help choose your blooms.
2: Avoid Using Pesticides, Herbicides and Fungicides In Your Garden
Chemical products are a big part of the problem as they can kill pollinators and poison hives, so it’s best to look for natural alternatives.
3: Build A Water Stop
Since you’re already offering them food, why not add a drink? Pop a clean, shallow dish in your garden with some rocks and sticks to avoid the bees drowning. They can take a moment here to refresh and take a break on their busy day.
4: Buy Raw, Local Honey
There are so many reasons to choose raw, local honey – for your sake as well as the planet.
- Raw honey contains all the natural vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients that pasteurized (commercial) honey lacks. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, as well as promoting digestive health.
- By choosing local honey, you are consuming a blend of local pollens, which can strengthen your immune system and reduce pollen allergy symptoms to your local flora.
- Since local honey doesn’t have to travel as far, you’re cutting down on your carbon footprint.
5: Choose Pesticide Free Products
Not only is it better for your health, but organic and pesticide-free products also support bee populations instead of poisoning them. Vote for change with your wallet by supporting products and brands who prioritise organic or pesticide and insecticide-free options.
10% Off All Bee Products At Naked Foods
Come into Naked Foods next Monday (20th May) for 10% off our honey, bee pollen and beeswax wraps to celebrate World Bee Day.
Useful Resources
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – Bee-ing Grateful To Our Pollinators.
- 1 Million Women – Top 10 Flowers to Attract Australian Bees.
Words by Amy Fraser.
