5 Ways to Help Save Bees

Pollinators like bees are critical to our world’s food supply, and their numbers are dwindling. What can we do to help save the bees?

We rely on bees to pollinate over 30 percent of our food crops, but Colony Collapse Disorder threatens the world bee population and the future of our food supply. Plants like apples, avocados, squash, cucumbers, and many other food plants that we commonly eat need pollinators in order to grow.

Luckily, it’s not all gloom and doom! Here are some ways that you can take action right now to help the dwindling bee population.

1. Don’t spray pesticides. Pesticides are a major culprit in Colony Collapse Disorder, and the best way to help bees is to stop spraying the stuff!
2. Buy organic. Support organic farmers who use natural farming methods that are bee-friendly.
3. Don’t support industrial honey. Large-scale honey operations are more focused on output and profit than with the health of the bees. If you’re going to eat honey, make sure it comes from a small operation. You can often find small beekeepers at your local farmers market, and they’ll tell you all about their beekeeping adventures!
4. Plant a bee-friendly habitat. Pollinators need a place to pollinate, and by providing bee-friendly plants in your yard, porch, or window box, you give them a place to just be. Plants like fruit, herbs, melons, and even some trees can attract bees to your yard or garden.
5. Get heard! If we’re going to help save the bees on a large scale, we need to let decision-makers know how we feel. Check out this petition aimed at the EPA calling for a ban on pesticides that harm bee populations.

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by jurveston

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Yulan L.

1:48PM PDT on Apr 30, 2012

Thanks for the article, we need our bees.

send a green star

federico b.

6:13AM PDT on Apr 30, 2012

Grazie .

Donna H.

11:25AM PDT on Apr 25, 2012

Thanks for the info - will sign the petition mentioned in the article.

Anthony B.

12:30AM PDT on Apr 20, 2012

thanks

Michele W.

9:36AM PDT on Apr 18, 2012

Thank you

Jane H.

11:19AM PDT on Apr 10, 2012

Thank you--I am sharing this.

Siti R.

3:26PM PDT on Apr 9, 2012

especially in our country- a modern metropolis, i miss these little creatures! they were at least around; odd one or two around the greenery.

Mary Beth M.

3:02PM PST on Dec 26, 2011

We need to do all we can and to get the word out, so many are unaware. Big business should not profit from killing bees and selling dangerous products, including honey laced with chloramphenicol or 'fake honey'. Very scary.

Christy E.

12:30PM PST on Dec 26, 2011

In addition to all of the above, which I already do, or don't do as the case maybe, I will be keeping bees myself starting this year. If you're interested in doing this I recommend that you sign up for a class in beekeeping. Many places are starting to offer short courses. Check your local community colleges, and if there are local apiaries, many of them offer classes as well.

Kathy P.

10:01AM PST on Dec 26, 2011

loved this, thanks