• Home
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
  • Environment
    • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Pollution
      • Global Warming
      • Population Explosion
      • Renewable Energy
      • Species Extinction
      • Sustainable Management of Resources
    • Animals
    • Pollution
    • Environmental Policy
  • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
  • Environment
    • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Pollution
      • Global Warming
      • Population Explosion
      • Renewable Energy
      • Species Extinction
      • Sustainable Management of Resources
    • Animals
    • Pollution
    • Environmental Policy
  • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
  • Contact Us
How Honey Bees Help Humans
May 2, 2019

It’s incredible to think that a tiny (and sometimes annoying) insect such as the honeybee is so important to humans. Honeybees help humans in many ways, from giving us food to fueling the local and international economy. Therefore, shrinking bee populations have become such a primary concern for both beekeepers and the general public. Research suggests that bee populations are decreasing by 30% each year, and the current population is at its lowest point in 50 years.

With the mysterious disappearance of bees, more people are paying attention to how bees benefit humans. It would be disastrous to imagine our world without bees. But the good news is that you can help support local bee populations in many ways.

local bees

Why are bees important to humans?

You may be wondering why there’s so much concern around shrinking bee populations. The high level of concern is because honeybees vital to human well-being. These tiny insects help us in the following ways.

  1. Honey bees are a big reason why we harvest

Because honeybees are master pollinators, they’re responsible for fueling the growth of many different food crops. Our farmers in Florida wouldn’t be able to harvest large quantities of apples, lemons, oranges, carrots, or almonds without the hard work of honeybees. To put it in perspective, 75% of the world’s food crops rely on pollinators.

During pollination, pollen from the male part of a flower is transferred to the female element- and fertilization occurs. Fertilization then produces seeds that can grow into a new plant. Honeybees are naturally built for pollination. When they suck nectar from flowers, pollen is trapped on their tiny hairs, wings, and “pollen baskets” on their legs. This pollen is then spread to other flowers, and farmers get to enjoy a healthy harvest.

  1. Where would we be without honey?

Perhaps the most apparent benefit of honeybees is that they produce honey. The nectar that bees collect from flowers is mixed with wax and an enzyme from the bee’s body to create this tasty treat.

Bees must work hard to produce honey- as each worker bee may visit up to 100 flowers when collecting nectar during just one trip. This is part of the reason why shrinking bee populations are a top concern for both farmers and local communities.

When honey is collected from hives or nests, it is used for various purposes. We use honey for food, cosmetic reasons, and medical applications. Honey is probably present in your facial cream, in your food ingredients, and some of your medicines.

  1. They play an important role in biodiversity

Bees are not just pollinators, but specialists in pollination. This means that some species of bees only pollinate specific types of plants and flowers. In Florida, these plant species are highly dependent on bees so they can keep producing seeds and other new plants. Therefore, bees promote the diverse growth of plants in our Florida habitats and beyond.

  1. Honey bees fuel the local and global economy

Because bees are important in promoting the growth of food crops, they also fuel our domestic and international economies. Food crops are typically transported and consumed across borders, and they account for a large portion of the revenue we receive from trading with other countries.

bees

Simply put, the absence of bees would result in significant economic losses and even possible food insecurity.

How to support your local bee populations

With how important bees are to humans, we should all play an active role in protecting our bees. You can do a lot to help support your local bee populations in Florida.

  • Create a home for the bees

If you have a farm or garden, you can make this space more welcoming for honeybees. First, avoid clearing out bee habitats such as nests, logs, or mulch. You should also use minimal harmful pesticides that may poison your local bees.

  • Support local bee-keepers

Next time you’re looking for honey-based products, visit your local flea market in Florida. Local beekeepers work hard to sustain and grow the bee population, and they need your support. Also consider donating products that may assist beekeepers- such as hives, glass jars, seeds, and fertilizer.

  • Plant bee-friendly vegetation

Landscaping also helps local bees. Plant a diverse selection of species that bees love to feed on. Sunflowers, lavender, and dragonhead are just a few plants that grow well in Florida and will give bees a year-round supply of food.

Share

Green Food

Estel Masangkay
I am a freelance creative writer based in the “valley city” of Olongapo near the neighboring Subic Bay Freeport Zone in The Philippines. I enjoy outdoor trips and activities in natural settings and I am passionate about animal welfare and environmental conservation. You can connect with me via my social networks: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/EstelGraceMasangkay">Facebook</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/em23me">Twitter</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/107876341884421334423/">g+</a>

Leave a reply


Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Recent Posts

    • The Environmental Impact Of Biomedical Waste And How To Reduce It
    • What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Types of Water Filters?
    • The Top 7 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Picks For 2023
    • How To Sustain A Carbon-Neutral Lifestyle
    • Sustainable Fishing Methods to Fish More Responsibly
  • Categories

    • Animals
    • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
    • Energy
    • Environment
    • Environmental Policy
    • Green Food
    • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
    • Green Travel
    • Infographics
    • Other Stories
    • Pollution
    • Recycle
    • Sustainability
    • Toxics
    • Uncategorized
  • Archives

    • March 2023
    • February 2023
    • January 2023
    • December 2022
    • November 2022
    • October 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • July 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2014
    • March 2014
    • February 2014
    • January 2014
    • December 2013
    • November 2013
    • October 2013
    • September 2013
    • August 2013
    • July 2013
    • June 2013
    • May 2011



Home | About | Advertise With Us | Bike The Netherlands | Current Environmental Issues | Eco Editorial | Contact