Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day, and in honor of Earth Day I wanted to talk about something very special to me, and to our earth and food resources. Honey Bees.

Now I know a lot of people dislike Bees because of fear or misunderstanding, but let me tell you some facts about Honey Bees you might not know.



* Bees collect 66 lbs of pollen per year, per hive. Pollen is one of the richest and purest natural foods, consisting of up to 35% protein, 10% sugars, carbohydrates, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins.

* Bees make honey from the nectar they collect from flowering trees and plants. Honey is an easily digestible, pure food. Eating local honey can fend off allergies.

* Honeybees are not aggressive by nature, and will not sting unless protecting their hive from an intruder or are unduly provoked.

* Honeybees are responsible for pollinating 33% of all the foods we eat, including Strawberries, Pears, and Almonds, among others.

* Since late 2006, bees have been disappearing at an alarming rate, due to Colony Collapse Disorder.

Fortunately, we know there is a problem and we're doing something to stop it. Haagen-Daz has an adorable website to help educate you on CCD and the honey bees plight at http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/

Burt's Bees is helping. Anthropologie is helping too.


If you've got the space, plant some bee friendly flowers in your garden like UC Davis.

You can find out how here, and here.

Take some time today to read up on CCD or watch some videos and see how you can help.

Happy Earth Day everyone!