National Pollinator Week

Hey Hunnies,

Welcome to National Pollinator Week! Awareness for the decline of honeybees has been steadily growing over the years, and the desire to seek out sustainably harvested, pure honey is becoming more prevalent in the lives of consumers. 

We've noticed in this past year alone a huge increase in the amount of backyard beekeepers that have started a hive not only to harvest their own honey, but for the sake of providing a sustainable living situation for a hive of bees. 

If you haven't heard of the honeybee decline, we'll bring you up to speed. After years and years of human development, the natural habitats honeybees have survived in are being destroyed. Natural wildflowers are being suppressed by chemicals, and greenhouses are filled with genetically-altered florals that are all for show and lack the nutrients pollinators need. The rise of the varroa mite has destroyed the life-force of honeybees and drained their energy. All of these factors combined yield beehives that are weaker than they have ever been - this ultimately leads to the hive becoming susceptible to diseases they could easily fight off before. This, in turn, decreases the overall population of bees.

Honeybees pollinate a large majority of the food we eat, and their loss would greatly impact human health and quality of life. 

It's up to us to save the world, one honeybee at a time. Here's a few ways to get us there:

1. Avoid Exterminators - If you see a swarm, or find a hive in a public area, avoid calling an exterminator who will eradicate the hive. Instead, contact your local beekeeper's association and get connected with a local beekeeper who will remove and keep the hive. 

2. Plant Local/Bee Friendly Flowers (Shop Your Local Nursery) - Honeybees are acclimated to their natural, local florals, so it is best to plant flowers that would naturally occur in your area. When you cannot, it is good to plant florals with high pollen and nectar yields. See your local nursery for the best advice on this area. #shopsmall

3. Support Your Local Beekeeper - By purchasing honey directly from the beekeeper, you know it's pure, all-natural, and just plain better. Honey in the big chain stores can be difficult to trace, and may be cut with sugar water to yield a higher profit. Know your beekeeper, know your honey. Plus, you know your money goes straight back to caring for the honeybees that made the local honey!

Let us know how you've taken action this National Pollinator Week by leaving a comment below or emailing us! 

Until Next Time,

Sara & the Team