At this point, everyone knows that bees are dying. Evidence as to why points toward an insecticide known as neonicotinoids. Along with other pesticides and parasites threatening the bees, it is important to let people know why it’s so important to keep them alive. What would a world without bees look like?
1. Say goodbye, honey
Without honeybees, we lose…well, honey. We all know how sweet honey is. But did you know it can also be used as a cough remedy? Or to treat wounds? To help reduce allergic reactions? To boost energy? To help get rid of dandruff? These little guys are working their lives away just to help you with your itchy scalp, c’mon.
2. No bees = No humans
Bees pollinate over one third of our crop supply. Without bees we can say goodbye to most fruits: apples, oranges, grapefruits, blueberries, cherries, kiwis…the list goes on. But it’s not just fruit we’d lose. There would be no more coffee and, obviously, no honey. Without honeybees, our plates wouldn’t have enough food on them to survive.
3. If we survive, our economy won't
With no honeybees left to pollinate, we would lose a lot of our food production and all coffee and cotton. The dairy industry would take a huge hit because much of what cows' and goats' diets consist of are pollinated by bees.
4. Don't be selfish, think of others
Without pollination, many flowers and plants will die. As previously mentioned, cows would struggle to survive. Alfalfa fields and hay won’t make it without bees. Most flowering plants survive because of bee’s pollination and without them, many insects and small animals may have trouble living.
5. Want to help? Plant a bee-utiful garden
You can plant sunflowers, snapdragons, bluebells, mint, thyme, lavender, poppies, the list goes on. When planting a garden that’s healthy for bees, make sure to only use natural pesticides. If you want to go the extra mile you can make a “bee bath.” Take a bird bath, or even a small container, fill it with marbles for the bees to rest on. You can fill whatever it is you’re using with just water, or you can use sugar water. Sugar will give them energy, and can often help save bees that are dying from exhaustion.
