Earthday.org calls itself “the world’s largest environmental movement”. This year’s campaign is “protect our species” and the Earth Day Movement lists some causes for species becoming extinct as “the
unprecedented global destruction and rapid reduction of plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to causes driven by human activity: climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides”. On social media, you may be familiar with seeing bees as a species in danger trending.
This Earth Day we are asking all our friends, family, and customers to “BEE AWARE”. Bees are in danger of going extinct - which would mean the end to life as we know it in ways we never thought twice about. We aren’t just worried about losing delicious honey and all it’s health benefits (locally and sustainably sourced, of course)...
UK-based Soilassociation.org lists three major reasons honey bees in particular are in danger: pesticides, varroa mite, and habitat loss. Pesticides are synthetic and used to kill and deter pests from crops in farming, but have wide reaching and long lasting effects, including damage to honey bees’ central nervous systems. Varroa mites attach themselves to honey bees and suck their blood, able to wipe out an entire colony in just 2-3 years! Habitat loss is a result in part of the changes in farming and growth of urban areas.
BBC.com reports that bees are responsible for pollinating 70 of the 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world or $30 billion worth of crops per year. If we lost bees, we could lose the plants they pollinate (about half of the fruits and vegetables we see in the supermarket), the species which feed off those, and so on up the food chain - eventually reaching humans! Other unknown consequences are sure to occur as well.
So, how can you make a difference? Start small, say something, think local! Whenever possible, support family owned and operated businesses who are committed to Earth-friendly and sustainable practices that produce products or produce in a responsible manner. Look for local beekeepers who are working to healthily collect honey (yes, this is possible!) and improve the quality of life for their bees. Be vocal! Share what you know and vendors you’ve found with friends and family. For small, family owned businesses, a referral is invaluable.
Our lip butters contain beeswax sustainably sourced and they are fully compostable.
