The problem
Human Practices in agriculture, land development, lawn care, and many other fields are impacting native and honey bees across the world. Nearly 70% of human food production, as well as the wonderful diversity of plant and animal life on the planet is dependent on these pollinators. Our mission aims to keep our diverse earth diverse. From little behavioral changes, to revamping agriculture we all have a part we can play to combat the extinction of our planet’s plant and animal species.
Honey Bees
Honey bees are the most commonly thought of bee. They are seen on the cover of cereal boxes, movies, and honey jars across the world. However, the term honey bee only applies to species of the Apis genus. These bees build large hives, produce the largest quantities of honey, and are the most active pollinators. For this reason, they are widely used in the agricultural and personal beekeeping industries.
Honey Bees are indigenous to areas a Eurasia, but were spread across the world by humans. In recent years, disease, the use of pesticides, insect pests, and a variety of factors have led to the decline of honey bee populations. This decline has threatened several forms of bee dependent agriculture and commerce.
Native Bees
Unlike Honey Bees, native bees refers to a much larger group of thousands of bee species. These insects are found in their native regions of the world and comprise a diverse range of colors and behaviors. Native bees include bumble bees, carpenter bees, and the countless other types of insects found in fields and forests all over the world. Although they are not as commercialized as the honey bee, they fulfill an important role as nature’s pollinators and help support the wide array of plants and animals
How can you help?
Help can be a wide variety of things. The biggest part is identifying what interests you. If you want to keep a pollinator friendly garden do it. Start a bee hide, go on ahead. If you simply want to start shopping more pollinator friend that is another way to start. ODE offers a variety of products and classes that can help get your started in the area that interest you the most.
Explore our wide range of products to support the environment and fund the mission
If our mission resonates with you, reach out to us and help spread our mission to your community.
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LEARN
The benefits of biodiversity.
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Resources
For more about supporting bees: https://thehoneybeeconservancy.org/plant-a-bee-garden/
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For more about planting in your ecoregion: https://themeadowproject.com/resources/find-native-plants/ Ecoregions
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