We depend on bees for our food. It’s pretty simple: without bees, we’d be in serious trouble – however we kind of are in trouble already because bee populations are declining due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), where entire bee colonies are wiped out. The main cause of this is now thought to be pesticides, in particular a class of pesticides called Neonicotinoids. Parasites have also been implicated in this dire situation.I spent some time on the Home & Family set this week with Bill of Bill’s Bees. He bought one of his hives of honeybees onto the set in an effort to educate us on what is going on and how we can help.
I got to stand next to the hive with bees buzzing all around my head and didn’t get stung because these worker bees apparently don’t sting!! Bill did say that the reason bees sting humans is because we bat them away, which is the worst thing you can do. He said to just stay still if one lands on you (yikes) as it may just be having a little drink of your sweat!
I asked Bill what we can do to help Colony Collapse, and here are his 5 top tips:
1. Plant loads and loads of flowers. If you have a spare patch of earth, buy some wildflower seeds and toss them everywhere! Check out the best pollinator-friendly flower to choose.
2. Support your local beekeeper by purchasing their honey.
3. Consider learning beekeeping and keep a hive of your own (I wish I had the space…and a willing husband!)
4. Support organic farming by voting with your dollars to always buy organic produce.
5. Refrain from using pesticides in your yard
BTW – Bills Bees honey was votes the Best Honey in Los Angeles! Bill gave us all a little to taste on set, and it was so divine – he served it on a little piece of the honey comb, which is like waxy gum, and which you can swallow if you please! Talking about the honey comb – check out my beeswax candle DIY.
Taking these small steps to help protect our environment can make a BIG DIFFERENCE.
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