I look forward to spring every year. Not just because I am over winter before it even begins, but it’s the time of year that the honey bees arrive. We sit outside in the sun for hours relaxing, watching the bees go from clover to clover. Yes, in the spring and summer, I have an entire yard full of clovers..
Here in the United States, the bee population and other pollinators such as butterflies have declined over the years. Heavy usage of pesticides and climate change all affect habitat loss. There are many things we can do to help save the bees, but first let’s see why it is so important to protect the pollinators.
Why are bees important?
You may have heard that if bees die off, human life would soon perish as well. This is because bees play a very important part in our food sources. Bees pollinate many food crops. Here in the south, there are many citrus trees that are pollinated by bees.
Did you know that bumble bees are responsible for pollinating some of your favorite fruits and vegetables? Some of your favorites, such as tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, eggplants, and peppers, just to name a few.
Stop to imagine what the world would be like if the bees suddenly disappeared. How well or how fast would food be grown? No, bees are not the only pollinators of the world, but because they make up such a large percentage of the pollinators, it would drastically affect how the food was grown.
Why are bees dying?
- Climate Change
Climate change is responsible for so many things, including the reduction of bees. You may have noticed that the seasons are starting to blend. Winters are shorter, and with this, flowers start to bloom earlier. The problem with that is bees may not be available for the flowers when they bloom.
- Habitat Destruction
More trees and land are being cleared out each year. They are being replaced with homes and buildings. The problem with this is no one is replanting trees for the ones that are being replaced. Not only does this effect climate change, but it also is a reason pollinators are losing their habitats.
- Pesticides
The heavy use of pesticides in the United States is a growing problem. With the increase demand for food production, more chemicals are being sprayed to prevent crops from dying. Bees and other beneficial insects are killed from pesticides, which is reducing the population.
How can we save the bees?
- Support local farmers
Visiting your local farmer’s market is one of the best sources for organic farmed produce and vegetables. In addition, you may be able to find local honey. Not only will the honey be local, it will be raw honey. Raw honey is not only a tasty sweetener, but it is also great for medicinal purposes.
- Plant a bee garden
Having a bee friendly garden is very easy to do. You can start by planting some flowering plants that are native to your area. This will attract native bees and other pollinators. I love to plant zinnias every year. They make beautiful, colorful flowers and attract both bees and butterflies.
- Say no to pesticides
Omitting the use of a pesticide in your garden will help build bee habitats. Not only are pesticides harmful for insects, but they are terrible for your health as well. Many people are allergic to the chemicals that are in pesticides, which can cause rashes and allergic flare-ups. This is also one source of pollution in the air.
- Support local beekeepers
Beekeepers work hard to protect the environment for bees. Seminars are hosted to provide education on the importance of the survival of the bee colonies. They remove and replace bees into a safe habitat. You can support your local beekeepers by making a donation, buying local honey, and taking part in other events they host throughout the year.
- Raise Awareness
Find ways to spread awareness. I always talk to my children about the importance of honeybees as well as insects in general. Taking the time to teach the younger generation ensures we have a future of those who care. You can also spread awareness by wearing graphic bee tees that enforce this message.
Yes, we can save the bees!
No matter your stance, pollinators are very important for the earth. You can be a bee lover like me, or just concerned about the future of the world. Look at one of the ways you can support the bees and take action. Small action among many will equal a huge change for us all.
Bees are in great danger, and are dying at faster rates than they did years ago. Help us spread awareness of this important topic. We have a great Save the Bee’s collection with a variety of graphic apparel and accessories to help spread awareness. Let’s start the conversation and talk about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the save the bees movement?
The “Save the Bees” movement is a global initiative focused on protecting and preserving bee populations. Bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and wild bees, play a crucial role in ecosystems as pollinators, which is essential for the reproduction of many plants and the production of fruits and vegetables. The movement aims to address various threats to bees, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases.
Does buying honey help bees?
Buying honey can be beneficial to bees, especially when you source it from local, small-scale beekeepers. Not all honey is created equal: Large-scale commercial honey production can sometimes involve practices that are not as beneficial for bees, such as over harvesting honey or using non-sustainable methods. Therefore, it’s important to be selective about the source of the honey.
Why is the bee population declining?
There are many factors to which there is a decline in bee populations. These factors often interact with each other, exacerbating the overall impact on bee health and survival. The main reasons for this decline include: pesticide use, habitat loss, climate change, disease and parasites, invasive species, and chemical contaminants.
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