To celebrate Earth Month, we've been sharing #1GreenThing, our favorite earth-friendly tips and tutorials here on the Whole Story blog and on our Facebook page opens in a new tab. We've talked about reusing and reducing waste opens in a new tab,tackling spring cleaning opens in a new tab, and this week we're looking at how you can help protect pollinators.
From apples and almonds to strawberries and tomatoes, many of our favorite foods depend on pollinators. They’re responsible for one out of three bites of food we humans eat, but their habitat is shrinking and their species are in danger. Thankfully, Earth Month is a wonderful opportunity to do your part to protect pollinators.
This buzzworthy cause may feel like a lot to take on for just one person, but together we can make a difference. After all, just #1GreenThing has the possibility to lead to real change. These simple tips and tutorials put pollinators first — oh, and did we mention they can be super fun too?
6 Ways to Our Protect Pollinator Friends
Monday
Pick up some pollinator-friendly items for your pantry. Our 365 Everyday Value® Pollinator-Friendly Almonds and Almond Butters are sourced from orchards that work to create welcoming environments for pollinators.
Tuesday
Pollinators get thirsty too! Help quench their thirst by adding a birdbath to your yard. We were inspired by the blogger hehind My House & Home opens in a new tab, whose DIY approach uses craft store items. Quick tip: Keep the bowl shallow and add a few stones so pollinators have a place to perch.
Step 1. Gather materials: A shallow terra cotta saucer, a pre-made branch wreath, a hot glue gun and rope or jute.
Step 2. Use a hot glue gun on the outer rim of the saucer and place it in the middle of the wreath. Press and hold for 30 seconds.
Step 3. Cut 4 equal-length pieces of rope, each 3 to 6 feet long depending on where you’ll hang it. Tie all of the ends in one big knot, and cut off excess.
Step 4. Place the saucer over the knot with all four rope pieces spread out in an X. Pull the rope though the vines in the wreath. Tie the rope ends around a tree branch to hang it, and remember to refill as needed.
Wednesday
Does your lawn have a few weeds you’ve been meaning to pull? Simply let them be — consider leaving some flowering weeds such as clovers and dandelions for hungry pollinators seeking nectar.
Thursday
Keep your cardboard egg cartons to make seed starters with the kiddos. Choose pollinator-friendly wildflower seeds, such as cosmos and purple coneflower.
Step 1. Cut off and fill the bottom half of the egg carton with soil.
Step 2. Sprinkle 2-3 seeds in each cup.
Step 3. Water them every other day.
Step 4. When seeds have sprouted, bury the whole carton outside.
Friday
Native milkweeds provide a breeding habitat for monarch butterflies as they migrate south during the winter. Plant milkweed where you can so they can feel at home near your home.
Saturday
Bees pollinate a significant majority of our food, and you can help protect them when you choose organic foods. Organic food is grown without toxic persistent pesticides that can weaken bee’s immune system and cause disorientation.
Sunday
It’s Earth Day! Pat yourself on the back for every green thing you do year-round. You know that just #1GreenThing can make a difference and that’s something worth celebrating. Thanks for an amazing Earth Month celebration!
