Simple Ways We Can Help the World’s Bee Population

Photo by Lars Gelfan on Unsplash; Article by Lacie Martin

The world bee population is in trouble. If bees were to disappear completely, so would 70% of the world’s crops and one-third of the world’s flowering plants. And if crops and flowers were to vanish, so would the animals that rely on them — including humans. If the crop supply disappears, so does the food industry as we know it, meaning a decline in world health. In order to avoid this grim reality, we need to ensure the survival of the honeybee population.

The humble honeybee can be described as a powerful pollinating powerhouse, because while there are other creatures that pollinate, the bee is the world’s very best. Their process is as magical as it is meticulous: they tirelessly fly from flower to flower collecting pollen and nectar, then transfer the pollen from one blossom’s anther to another one’s stigma, which encourages seeds and crops to sprout. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship between the bees and the rest of the world; the flowers supply them with nectar to feed their colonies, and in return, the bees help fertilize the plants that feed the entire planet.

Over the past few decades, there has been a considerable drop in the domesticated and wild bee species populations. In some countries, the decline is so alarming that farmers have taken desperate measures to combat the problem, such as hand pollination.

However, hand pollination isn’t a long-term solution. Finding out why the bees are disappearing and finding a way to increase their population is the only cure to their near extinction. Shockingly, scientists have indeed determined the cause — humans. We have more impact on our environment than a lot of people realize, and our actions can be detrimental to the world around us. Spraying toxic pesticides, clearing out natural habitats for industrialization, and burning fuel that releases atmosphere-destroying carbon dioxide causes real harm that we can no longer ignore. Because of our actions, the bee and many other creatures, including us, are suffering.

The good news is that we have a lot of power when it comes to solving this crisis, and no action is too small to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways to help save the bees, presented by ECOsity.

Simple Ways to Help Save the Bees

Plant a pollinator garden: You can start one in containers on your deck, in your backyard, on your windowsills, or even on your roof. Nourish your soil and invite bees and other pollinators to visit your garden by planting perennials and annuals that will keep them coming back all year long. If you intend to start a large garden, you may need to get a surveyor to ensure you’re not falling short of any requirements or ordinances in your area.

Stand up for the bees: Keep the conversation going about the importance of protecting bees by joining active support groups, encouraging your neighborhood association to plant bee-inviting gardens, and even speaking with your local council members about creating community gardens where bees can thrive.

Support organic farmers: Organic farmers use zero chemical additives, which encourage bees to pollinate. By choosing these products over ones produced with pesticides and chemical-ridden fertilizers, you’re helping keep bee habitats intact.

Become a beekeeper: Join your local beekeeper association and brush up on the basics of beekeeping. In addition to stimulating the bee population, you will also benefit by harvesting cruelty-free honey.

Stop using chemicals: Purge your house of all its chemical products, including pesticides, hair sprays, cleaners and air fresheners. There are gentler plant-based options available, and they work just as well — if not better — than those containing chemicals. Just be sure you dispose them properly. Instead, choose eco-friendly alternatives from ECOsity whenever possible.

Reduce your carbon footprint: Do your part to cut down on carbon emissions by walking or bicycling instead of driving whenever possible, conserving water and electricity, and composting food waste.

If the decline of the bee population has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be more aware of the consequences of our actions. However, we can undo a lot of the damage we’ve created. Planting bee-friendly flowers and food crops at home, cutting out chemicals, and simply keeping an open dialogue about the importance of bees are simple actions, but are powerful enough to help rejuvenate the bee species.