The Bees Need Our HelpThere are roughly 20,000 bee species in the world, of which 38% are facing significant, annual declines in their population, and 10% are on the brink of extinction. Rudolf Steiner said in 1923, "Actually, every human being should show the greatest interest in this subject, because much more than you can imagine, our lives depend upon beekeeping.” He wasn't kidding. Bees are classified as a Keystone Species, meaning their success or failure determines the success or failure of any dependent species. With the exception of a few wind pollinated crops (mainly wheat, corn, and oats) bees are responsible for pollination of plant life - which is either your food, or the food of your food. The resulting lack of pollination would affect every living being on this planet and be unfathomable to the earth's ecology. If there are no bees, there is no food.
While there are other pollinators on this planet, the bees dominate this sect of nature because of their efficiency and effectiveness at pollination. Heavy uses of pesticides and insecticides, habitat loss, diseases, conventional beekeeping practices, and climate change are all major contributing factors as to why not just the bees are dying off, but all pollinators. Further, in urban areas, a desire for convenience (i.e. killing a bee nest/hive - as opposed to letting them thrive or being removed) and "pest free lawns" through chemicals continue to decimate pollinators. When people learn the truth-that simply left alone, bees pose one of our planet’s least likely threats and rank amongst our most valuable neighbors-they quickly become enthusiastic protectors. When you choose to rent or adopt a hive from Urban Bee LLC, you're choosing to help turn the tide of the declining bee populations. Instead of simply donating to a cause, you can see your investment at work, help build up your local ecology; and get some honey in the process too! There are numerous benefits to stewarding bees, not just to the environment, but to your health and happiness as well. Urban Bee LLC supports Michigan businesses first, and practices organic, biodynamic beekeeping methodologies to ensure healthy, strong honeybee colonies. Urban Bee LLC is also an avid promoter of native bee and other pollinator habitats, so be sure to ask us about that too! Bee the change you wish to see in the world, and support your pollinators. “Small acts when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” - Howard Zinn |