We were struck by this photo from a retailer showing what his grocery store would look like if there were no more honeybees. Shocking right? The truth though is that this reality may not be too far off. In China, due to dwindling numbers of bees they already hand pollinate some crops. In the States, the situation is not much butter.
The official term is called, “Colony Collapse,” and though its been happening over the last decade the situation appears to be getting worse. Just last year, we lost 43 percent of wild bee colonies, according to Time magazine. As you know, bees pollinate a number of fruits and vegetables including many of our organically grown Made In Nature fruits. We’re concerned, we hope you are as well.
Scientists aren’t exactly sure why our bees our dying, but they do have a few likely guesses. Here’s a closer look at what’s going on and how you can help.
It’s hard out there for a bee
What’s killing our bees? Scientists have pinpointed these three most likely causes:
Pesticides: A new type of pesticide called neonicotinoids (say that three times fast) have negative impacts on bees’ nervous systems. Exposure results in navigation and flying problems and ultimately death.
Parasites and mites:
The vampiric Varroa mite may be considered the leading cause of Colony Collapse. Scientists suspect an infestation of these parasites may suppress bee immune systems and open the door for viruses and bacteria.
Flower Deserts:
Bees depend on wilderness and wild spaces to gather pollen for their hives. But due to the increasing prices for corn and soybeans, many of these open spaces are being replaced with these monocrops–essentially food deserts for bees.
What you can do
You can help save the bees with a few easy choices
Buy organic:
Organic crops, like all of our Made In Nature Fruits, aren’t sprayed with harmful pesticides that kill bees. Safer for the bees, safer for your family.
Plant bee-friendly flowers:
We love watching bees pollinate the flowers in the gardens around our office. Not only are the fascinating to watch, but they naturally flock to more pleasing environments. YOu can make your yard a bee haven by planting flower they love like: lilacs, lavender, sage, wisteria, mint, squash, tomatoes, pumpkins, honeysuckle and more. Find a complete list here.
Don’t use chemicals and pesticides.
These chemicals are particularly damaging when sprayed on flowering plants. Don’t do it! Your plants and your friendly bee neighbors will thank you.
