Without bees, we wouldn’t be here – of the 100 crops that provide 90 percent of the world’s food supply, 71 are pollinated by the humble bee – yet many countries still allow the use of bee-killing pesticides, and chemical companies sue anyone who tries to stop them.
But there have been successes! France recently declared a historic ban on neonicotinoids – the pesticides linked to global bee decline. In a landmark decision, the French government passed a bill that includes an outright ban on neonicotinoids – well over and above EU restrictions, and exactly what scientists have been demanding for years if we want to save pollinators and the huge chunk of our food supply that relies so heavily on them.
And in Australia, bee defenders pressured retailers through a SumofUs petition – and Woolworths, Coles, Bunnings and Mitre 10 decided to get neonic pesticides off their shelves! We have to keep the pressure up though, because chemical companies are notorious for trying to sue anyone who gets in their way…
We can also help bee populations by planting bee favourites, even if it’s just a pot plant on your balcony. Check out which plants are the best in your area, but some bee friendly plants to get you started include Lavender, Sage, Basil, Mint, Grevillia, Borage, Alyssum, Marigolds, Abelia (bee brush), Fennel, Sunflowers, Hollyhocks, Poppies, Rhododendrons, Clover, Forget Me Not, Heather, Rosemary, Lilac, Thyme, Lemon Balm, Zinnia, Flowering Gum, Bottlebrush, Nasturtium, Fruits and Vegies and many more. You can check out this list, and this one, and there are many, many more…
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