Sustainable agriculture is essential for everyone. When we help the bees, we also help the environment. After all, what’s good for the bees is also good for the climate, the environment and all of us.
Bees are essential to crop health and their rapid decline threatens global food security. Farmers who keep bees see their agricultural yields increase, whether it is coffee, spices or vegetables. Also, they can harvest honey during the non-cultivation season for extra income.
Nowadays, it is no secret that bees are extremely important for the environment. Bees are one of the world’s great pollinators. According to the US Department of Agriculture, they feed 80% of the crops we eat.
Because of its importance for our food, it is more important than ever to support projects and actions aimed at helping the survival of bees.
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How can we help bees?
- Let your grass grow. Put the mower down. This perfectly manicured lawn carpet is of no use to bees. They prefer something similar to their natural habitat: a meadow. Consider letting part of your garden find its roots. Let the dandelions and clovers regrow (two of the bees’ favorite delicacies). Not only will you spend less time mowing the lawn, but the bees will thank you for it.
- Say no to pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides contain toxic chemicals that are very harmful to bees and other environmentally beneficial insects. Avoid using toxic pesticides in your garden or urban garden. Research and try natural, eco-friendly alternatives to help bees. And don’t forget the land. You can improve your garden soil, remove weeds, use compost, and attract beneficial earthworms with something you probably have in your garage: cardboard boxes.
- Create a bee garden. You’ve always wanted a private oasis, and now you have the perfect excuse to plant one. The bees need you! Plant herbs and flowers that attract bees (like mint, lavender, or poppies, to name a few). Ideally, you should choose flowers that are native to your area and bloom at different times of the year. Put a shallow container of water in your garden so the bees have a place to rehydrate, and add a few twigs and pebbles so they have a place to roost and shelter.
- Buy responsibly. Support local producers and support bees in your area. When you can, buy your fruits and vegetables (and your honey) from local farmers or at local farmers’ markets. The more you support sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, the better, but if you don’t have access to it, eating organic helps the bees a lot!
- Learn more about bees. There are many misconceptions about bees and their importance to the world we live in. Every day there are new studies, every day you can learn something new to help bees, keep learning!