What is pollination? Pollination is when pollen grains are moved from one flower to another of the same species, resulting in fertilization. This can happen by wind or pollinators! Successful pollination can even require multiple pollinators to visit the same flowers.

Vital to humanity’s survival, pollinators are responsible for an estimated one third of all food products. These pollinators add $20 billion to the food industry in the United States alone. Some crops that rely on these beneficial animals include corn, coffee, blueberries, melons, peaches, pumpkins, and even chocolate!

Pollination enables 40% of the world’s crops and 90% of our wild plants to thrive. It’s important to remember that not all pollinators are bees. There are roughly 1,000 beneficial vertebrae species (birds, bats and other small mammals). Another 200,000 species are beneficial insects such as bees, flies, wasps, and beetles. Though a large focus is put on the pollination benefits of bees due to recent news about synthetic pesticides causing a decline in their populations, we should not forget that many other pollinator species are also effected.

How can you protect pollinators?
You can reduce your impact by eliminating synthetic pesticide use. If you need to use pesticides, make sure that they are natural and pollinator-safe, like neem-based pesticides.
You can also plant for pollinators by creating pollinator-friendly habitats that teem with nectar and pollen.
Spread the word! Make sure that everyone is aware of the dangers for pollinators, including conventional agriculture, and encourage others to practice more sustainable methods in their daily lives!

The post Celebrate All Pollinators appeared first on Neem.World.

What are neonicotinoids? They are a type of synthetic chemical that poisons the whole plant system. Predominately altering the vascular system of the plant, these toxic chemicals have been found to harm bees and other pollinators due to residue in the pollen, nectar, and dew drops. Shown to be highly resilient, these chemicals have a half-life of up to 15 years. The European Commission has been extremely concerned over the past decade, even limiting neonicotinoid use due to its link with decreasing pollinator habitats. They have even introduced a proposal to completely ban these pesticides across commercial agriculture in Europe. Canada has also proposed a ban on a type of these chemicals, imidacloprids, because it is becoming increasingly clear that its use is not sustainable for the environment at the present rate of use. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agree that pesticides harm bees, but have only changed pesticide labels so they better protect bees by being clearer in their directions for application.

While some US agencies not taking the immense scientific evidence into account when determining environmental policies, many corporations have decided to listen to and protect consumers and the environment. In April 2015, Lowe’s announced they would phase out neonics over the next two years. Home Depot made the same announcement in 2016, and Aldi supermarkets was the first European retailer to ban pesticides shown to be toxic to bees that same year. In 2016, Scotts Miracle Gro, a major pesticide manufacturer, also declared the immediate phasing out of neonicotinoid pesticides from its products. Now, Walmart and True Value are joining in the fight against neonics. They will begin to stop selling these dangerous pesticides starting in May 2017.

Fortunately, there are many other natural options that consumers can use. Beyond Pesticides, a nonprofit that promotes the safe switch to a world free of synthetic pesticides, released an online toolkit called The Well Stocked Hardware Store. This has  helped lead consumers to environmentally friendly pesticides they could use for their personal needs. Neem oil is listed as an effective insecticide and fungicide, two applications for which neem is extremely viable.

The post Phasing out for the Bees appeared first on Neem.World.