So, it turns out the 3rd Saturday in August, which coincides with India’s Independence Day this year, is World/National Bee Day, depending on who is celebrating. Personally, to me, the distinctions don’t matter. As California’s incredible heatwave rages and the arctic ice melts, it is sometimes difficult to keep up with all of the challenges facing us.
For years now, we have been losing bees. Much of it is due to human encroachment, and some of it is unexplained. The loss of bees is an immense loss to biodiversity and simultaneously, a big blow to key human activities – agriculture, our main source of food. Of course, we need to do all we can to save the bees for both reasons.
Without political will and the alignment of farmers with the worst possible allies, the challenge is almost insurmountable.
However, you and I can still do things. Here is a very quick rundown:
- Political activism is a must. We can no longer sit around allowing deniers of climate change, or those who refuse to protect biodiversity.
- An extensive set of efforts to abolish pesticides and fertilizers that harm bees should get underway. This is also challenging, given the size of companies such as Bayer.
- All efforts must be made to promote large scale, private conservation, and re-wilding efforts. Land that is not used for agriculture, storage, manufacturing, and other activities can really form a shelter for many species, including bees.
- Through conscious shopping decisions, that are aimed at promoting fair-trade, organic cultivation, and sustainability, we can always continue to do better, with bees, as well as many other species.
- Last, but not least, come our own backyards, front-yards and other places where even small efforts can have lasting ripple effects! The more flowering plants we grow organically, without harmful fertilizers, and the more we do to promote composting, sustainability and other activities, the better for bees! Self-awareness and education are unparalleled in their effect on what we can do to increase our impact on this planet. See below for a couple of places to learn something about honey bees, if you so wish.
So, this National Honey Bee Day, think of the honey bees and bee-keepers and think of how you vote, plant, and plan for the future!
References:
- Learn about World Honey Bee Day: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-honey-bee-day-third-saturday-in-august/
- National Honey Bee Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Honey_Bee_Day
- HoneyLove, so may cherish bees and their keepers! http://honeylove.org/bees/