What’s all the buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz?
Pollinators
are essential to our survival. Yes, it’s a fact! Without the help and work of
pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats and thousands of
different insects we wouldn’t be here. How you ask? This is how: 75% of the
world’s crops require pollination. Without little bees and other pollinators
buzzing around there wouldn’t be food! That is why it is important that we
respect these little guys for what they contribute to the health of our planet.
Here are
some more fun facts to show you just how important pollinators are to YOU!
Did you know?:…
·
More
than 200,000 animal species serve as pollinators. Most are insects — only about
1,000 are hummingbirds, bats, or other small mammals.
·
However,
approximately 80 percent of pollination by insects is carried out by
bees!
·
All
of the world’s chocolate depends on midges, tiny two-winged flies, that pollinate
the cacao flowers. Do you love chocolate? Thank a fly!
·
Approximately 1,000 plants grown throughout the world for food,
beverages, clothing, spices, and medicines need to be pollinated by animals in
order to produce these natural products. For example, the following foods
depend on pollinators: apples, bananas, pumpkins, blueberries, chocolate,
melons, peaches, vanilla, and almonds.
·
In
the United States alone pollination by honey bees and other insects produces
nearly $20 billion worth of products annually! Count that!
Unfortunately,
pollinators and specifically bees are being threatened by the loss of their
natural habitat and many other factors that scientists are still trying to
understand. For example, the U.S. has lost more than
50% of its managed honey bee colonies during the past 10 years. Not good! But
there is ACTION you can take!
Here are 5 things you can do TODAY to
support the pollinators!
2.
Plant
a pollinator friendly garden! Seed companies such as BBB
Seed
create special wildflower mixes just for pollinators! Check out these cool
mixes for butterflies, bees, and more! http://www.bbbseed.com/store/pollinator-mixes BBB Seed is one of
our generous supporters of the Victory Garden Transition Challenge supplying
free heirloom seeds to any registered action.
3. Garden organically without pesticides or herbicides. It is thought, the harmful chemicals used in these products kill the pollinators—and let’s face it, they aren’t good for us either.
4. Teach children the importance of pollinators—they’ll get it and it’s fun!
5. Support your local botanical gardens that typically grow pollinator gardens like The Gardens at Lake Merritt in Oakland CA. For a glimpse of the 'jewel of Oakland,' click here.
Don’t forget, you still have time to sign up for
the 2012 Victory
Garden Transition Challenge and receive free seeds through May 31st. Click here for more
information. Today is the last day for your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift
card! The sweepstake ends today. The bees will love you for it!
For
more pollinator facts check out these websites:
Guest Blogger, Kristie Nackord is the 'herbalicious
herb girl' behind Spirit Horse Herbals. She is passionate about growing her own
food and medicinal herbs in the mountains of Colorado. For more information on
Kristie please visit: www.spirithorseherbals.com
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