Supporting Pollinator Health Worldwide

Supporting pollinators and the tireless efforts of different organizations, volunteers, scientists, beekeepers, and gardeners is not just a nationwide movement; it is worldwide. Every individual has an opportunity to do something small or big to support pollinator health across the globe. Even little measures can have a meaningful and lasting impact on the pollinators that help keep our entire ecosystem balanced. Bees, birds, bugs, and other small critters contribute to pollination, and some bee species have become threatened through habitat loss, pesticide use, and unavoidable climate change. Instead of taking a backseat, we encourage people to get in the driver’s seat and do a small part to help support pollinators today.

How to Get Involved in Supporting Pollinators

There are countless ways to get involved in supporting pollinators, and contrary to what some may think, it does not have to include becoming a beekeeper or spending any money. Some of the best ways to take part in the collective effort include:

• Choosing bee-friendly plants and flower gardens: Gardeners love their gardens and often thoughtfully select what goes where each season. Gardeners enjoy the fruits of their labor as nature unfolds around them. A sure sign that a gardener has done something right in their gardens is increased bee activity, who also enjoy the fruits of growing varieties of nectar-rich plants and flowers.
• Do Not Use Pesticides or Herbicides: There are some pest treatments that are safe for bees and other pollinators, but some on the market do more damage than good. Organic and natural pest control is always the safest bet when protecting your garden from aphids and other plant-destroying bugs. However, it is critical to avoid using neonicotinoids and glyphosate, which are known to harm bees. Today, several bee species are under threat, and bees literally start the pollination process year after year. If we lose some critical species completely, the damage will be irreversible. It is time to take action and become a responsible and eco-friendly gardener when choosing pest control.
• Bees Must Have Access to Water: Providing fresh water for bees and other pollinators does not have to be complicated or expensive. If you want to add a bird bath or something decorative with functionality, it can be a wonderful way to add a water element to your garden. However, in addition to looking nice, water sources are vital to bee survival. Bees can’t swim but need access to fresh water continually. It can be as simple as a pie pan with some water and a piece of sponge or stick for bees to perch upon while they tap water. Even if you don't have a garden, every person can provide a freshwater source today without having to buy anything new. All bees need is a shallow dish with stones or floating corks to give them a safe place to land and drink. If they do not have access to fresh water, they may end up in the pool, which never ends well. If you find a bee in the pool that is alive, use your pool scooper to get it out and let it go. Once the wings dry, it may be able to recover and get back to work!
• Keep it Local: Support local farmers and beekeepers because they rarely use toxic pesticides. Local farmers recognize the footprint of irresponsible farming and choose organic methods to support pollination health. When purchasing honey, support local, ethical beekeepers. Those who prioritize bee health over maximum production.
• Let It Go Wild: An easy way to improve pollination health is to leave some areas free and wild to grow native plants and weeds. Native bees love native plants, and wildflowers growing in a small part of the yard can be a haven for pollen collectors! Even if you prefer a magazine-cover-worthy yard, find an area to let things go wild, and it will be an incredible source for pollinators.
• Support Change: In addition to spreading the word and putting out a freshwater source, supporting and expecting a change in how farming is done and being mindful of our footprint on pollination is the easiest thing anyone can do to support pollination health. The first step is to know how our actions directly impact bees and other pollinators. As opportunities occur to support policies that ban bee-harming pesticides and promote biodiversity and regenerative farming, they should be taken without hesitation, and we will all be better off for it.