USA Love List is teaming up with Justin's , Whole Foods Market, and the Xerces Society to spread the word on the importance of saving our nation's pollinators. Here, we have all of your questions answered and tips on how you can make a difference.
Bee a Part of the Solution! Help Save Pollinators!
What are pollinators?
Pollinators are animals that move pollen from one part of a plant to another part, or from plant to plant, causing fertilization which makes seeds and fruit. The most important pollinators are native bees, honey bees, wasps, and butterflies. Flies, bats, birds and beetles are also pollinators.
Why do pollinators need saving?
Honey bees are dying at a rate of 30% per year. Scientists have noticed a decline in the bee population for decades, and have labeled the syndrome, “Colony Collapse Disorder”. Colony Collapse is attributed to parasites, pesticides and loss of habitat.
What does saving pollinators have to do with saving ‘American Made'?
Bees pollinate our favorite foods like blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and the almonds needed to make Justin's products. Bees are also vital for the growing of alfalfa, clover and other plants that dairy and meat animals consume. Without bees and other pollinators, agriculture in the US would take a drastic hit, and gone would be our American Made food.
The United States alone grows more than one hundred crops that either need or benefit from pollinators, and the economic value of these native pollinators is estimated at $3 billion per year in the U.S.- The Xerces Society
What can you do to help save pollinators?
- Plant native flowers, trees, and shrubs in overlapping blooming times so pollinators are happy all year long. Check out the Xerces Society's Pollinator Conservation Resource Center to find pollinator attracting plants that are specific to your region.
- Create a home for native pollinators by leaving branches and dirt piles. Purchase or build pollinator houses, like the Mason Bee Lodge , and the Hanging Redwood and Glass Butterfly House.
- Limit the use of pesticides, and purchase organic when ever possible. Pesticides are very harmful to pollinators.
For more information, refer to the Xerces Society website.
Cover photo image courtesy of zirconicusso/freedigitalphotos.net
My parents farm and I know this is a global issue. Support local farms, bee growers and plant flowers in the garden. Thanks for raising awareness.
Here in NC we have felt the effects for sure. We have a friend who raises bees and has planted clover and other plants for them. Although I can’t do clover, I no longer use any chemicals on my plants. Even the june bugs and japanese beetles have a feast in my yard!
I had read about the bees dying. We have a lot of flower beds and I have even noticed less bees in the last 5 years or so… scary stuff!
Yes, yes, yes! I also highly recommend getting honey from a local apiary. Raw and unfiltered, if possible. Not only does it help support a local business, it’s better honey, and healthier for you. So much of what’s sold in stores is actually NOT honey and will not provide the benefits that local honey can.