save the bees

The first time I saw a seed bomb it was in a Facebook video. Literally, I’ve been obsessed ever since. They are just the cutest things, so easy to make, and the best way to safely refurbish vacant lots. You can make a bunch of them and toss them in areas that really need more plants without having to worry about someone seeing. Since they decompose on their own, nature will take care of the rest. Unfortunately, you never know what is or isn't private property, so seed bombs are the ultimate discreet way of planting something (without spending much money or leaving any evidence).

Due to the recent Zika spraying, massive use of neonicotinoid pesticides,  and other environmental factors, bees are now on the endangered species list, effective October 31, 2016. If bees go extinct, honey won't be the only thing we'll be missing: A third of the food humans eat would disappear with the bees. To put things in perspective, that means no more blueberries, apples, pumpkins, or almonds – all those plants (among others) need bees. Worried yet?

2014 saw public outrage as up to 51% of plants sold at Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe's contained neonics at levels harmful to bees. What’s more concerning is these were the plants that were labeled as ‘bee friendly.’ In response to the public pressure created by these harrowing results - and a general trend toward concern for pollinators in the recent years - many larger chains have started to phase out neonicotinoids.

Today marks the beginning of Pollinator Week, 2016 (June 20-26^th) and Basmati.com is joining in on the call to protect pollinators on a regional, national, and global level.