WHATS THE BUZZ ABOUT SAVING THE BEES?

Earlier this week, we talked about the worlds disappearing honey bee dilemma. Knowing about this problem is a great start to being part of the solution, but what else can we do to help our local bee population? We will be talking about several things that we can do on an individual level that can make a difference; starting from least engaging, to the most engaging.

Voting for those without a voice

Even though the bees do not have a say in government regulation, we do. Voting for the bees in the booths will give them a fighting chance out in the fields. Some pesticides are more dangerous to bee than others, allowing the use of these pesticides in our country is actually doing more harm than good. Here is a link to sign a petition to help put a ban on dangerous pesticides, it only takes a second to sign it and will let your voice be heard.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/bees/

Plan BEE

We all know that bees collect pollen as there food, but did you that many of the bee’s most beneficial flowers are on the government’s noxious weeds list? Bees get a majority of their pollen from wild flowers and weeds. A large portion of these wild flowers are considered to be pests and are killed very quickly; a good example of this is the common dandelion. In the early spring, before many other flowers have begun to bloom, honey bees are very dependent on dandelion blossoms to support their pollen needs. So a very simple, easy way to help honey bees is to refrain from killing the dandelions in your lawn. They’re actually quite pretty. And next time you see a bare patch, think about planting Dutch clover instead of grass. The bees thrive on various weeds in lawns, including clover and plantain (from which they collect pollen). Do you really have to have that perfect, manicured, chemical-laden lawn?

  

Call In The Experts

Honeybees naturally produce new bee hives by what is known as “swarming”. When the current hive location becomes too small for the current hive population, the colony will split in half; one half will stay and the other half flies away to find a new home. When honeybees are swarming, they are out in the open and are exposed to the elements. If you ever see a swarm, instead of panicking, you should quickly call in a beekeeper. Many beekeepers will gladly take the swarm off your hands for free (they can hive it and use that colony for honey production). The video below is a good example of what a swarm looks like and how beekeepers can catch one (please leave it to the professionals). Many local beekeeper groups have a hotline that anyone can call so that the honeybees are attended for properly. You would be surprised at how many beekeepers you may actually know, ask and find out! I’m sure your beekeeper friends wouldn’t mind an extra bee hive!!

BEEcome a Beekeeper!

Playing with thousands of sting insects is not for everyone, but beekeeping is an interesting and rewarding hobby for those of you who are adventurous enough to try it. My family just took up beekeeping recently actually, and we are excited for what this coming summer will bring. Depending on how much someone is looking to spend, as well as what the individual is looking to get out of it, beekeeping can be as cost effective or expensive as you make it.  A common misconception is also that beekeeping is a rural activity, which this isn’t the case. Urban beekeeping is a common practice and can very easily be done in a busy city. Even if you didn’t want to do the work yourself, allowing a friend or a neighbor to put a hive on your property would be a help to the local population and your garden. For more information on bees and becoming a beekeeper, several links are listed below. By helping our tiny friends, we are helping our yards, our food supply, and the economy.

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/19/urban-beekeeping-for-begi_n_415082.html

http://www.co-operative.coop/Plan-Bee/

http://www.beesource.com/

Thank you for reading the Full Circle Lifestyle blog, you can also follow us on twitter, Facebook and Pinterest to show your support with your friends and stay up-to-date on news and facts. Small improvements today, will add up to a better tomorrow.

~Daniel