Where would we be without the honeybee? Maté Jarai weighs up the cost of losing the planet’s key pollinators and hears why it’s so important to #StandByBees
The mighty honeybee is one of the most important creatures of the animal kingdom, yet numbers continue to dwindle. Up to 90% of wild plants and 75% of crops depend on pollination, and according to the WWF that means that one in three mouthfuls of food we consume depend directly on pollinators such as the honeybee.
Recently, the Government made a tragic U-turn regarding the banning of harmful neonicotinoids. These neonicotinoids are absorbed by plants and can then be present in both the pollen and nectar, making them dangerous to bees. They can cause problems with navigation, flight and reduced sensitivity to taste – all factors that negatively affect their ability to forage productively.
In January 2020 these neuroactive insecticides were banned, however the Government left the door open for ‘emergency application’ of their use, which came to fruition in January 2022.
Spearheading the #StandByBees campaign is Anabel Kindersley, co-owner of Neal’s Yard Remedies. Many of the ingredients in the brand’s products, such as beeswax, sunflower oil and lavender, depend on pollinators – an issue faced by many other businesses. Kindersley’s campaigning has been widely publicized (including trips to Downing Street, hosting a bee symposium and the Government’s response to her petition) and has led to recent progression; Kindersley has been in direct conversation with the Government and since March has been leading a coalition of over 90 businesses across several sectors (food, beauty and fashion, to name a few).
Together, they’ve been calling on the Government to cut hazardous pesticides by providing a national target for pesticide reduction. This involves decreasing the amount of pesticide used, the toxicity levels of the pesticides used, and putting support in place for farmers to aid them in the transition towards a more ‘nature friendly’ approach to farming. Kindersley now has over 22,600 signatories for her petition. She explains that initially her goal was simply to get people to sign it, and to use it as way to reach Parliament. But how receptive has the Government been regarding biodiversity impacts versus the commercial impacts of a declining pollinator population?
Kindersley explains: “The Government are well aware of the biodiversity and also the commercial impacts, and it is true that they are faced with difficult decisions in balancing the cost of living crisis, energy cost increases and supply chain shortages. However, we still have to ensure that nature is part of that equation.”
She goes on to say that she believes it is possible to balance the two – that is, economic business decisions with respect for nature. “That’s just responsible business. Domestically we have an obligation to protect the environment. We cannot just deplete all our natural resources, such as pollinators.”
On a global scale, Britain also risks losing its good reputation in terms of positive environmental policy, as there are currently no further targets to reduce pesticide use. It is imperative that this changes, and with more important work from people like Kindersley, the hope is that Government will take notice and make some vital changes before it is too late – not just for the bees, but for us as well.
Propolis & Honey Throat Spray
BeeVital Propolis – Nature’s Laboratory Tel: 01947 602346
E-mail: [email protected] www.beevitalpropolis.com
This innovative throat and mouth spray is the perfect natural remedy to level-up your oral care.
We’ve combined propolis with honey to provide a soothing spray. Regular use of this liquid gold will help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Propolis, made by bees from tree and plant resins, is highly antibacterial. It can help prevent common throat infections and reduce levels of bacteria which cause bad breath. Aniseed, eucalyptus, and fennel oils taste great, as well as being anti-inflammatory. Menthol helps clear congestion.
Nature’s Laboratory’s Director of Quality & Research, Dr Shankar Katekhaye says:
“BeeVital Propolis & Honey throat spray contains a unique mix of ingredients. Honey soothes while propolis extract and aniseed essential oil are both anti-bacterial. Eucalyptus oil helps open the airways and we included fennel oil because it helps heal a sore throat. I recommend using it regularly as both a preventative treatment and for treating cough and cold symptoms.”
And Dr Haris Mumtaz of The Herbal Docs says: “By combining antibacterial propolis with soothing honey and essential oils which tackle inflammation, BeeVital have created the perfect pocket-sized remedy for sore throats and stuffy heads. Take regularly as a preventative measure, or at the first sign of a cold to boost your body’s defences.”
Available in handy 30ml spray bottles, this is a handy and effective natural remedy. It’s the perfect thing for tackling seasonal infections. BeeVital Propolis & Honey Throat Spray is also alcohol free, so is suitable for children.
The RRP is £8.00, and retailers can benefit from a wholesale margin of 42%.
BeeVital is part of Nature’s Laboratory Ltd. We’re leading the way in propolis research, collaborating with universities around the globe. We develop innovative products using the highest quality ingredients. They’re expertly formulated by our talented team and manufactured in the UK.
Supplements for immunity, energy, stress & sleep. No fillers or excipients.
Unbeelievable Health
E-mail: [email protected]
www.unbeelievablehealth.com
Unbeelievable Health’s targeted all-in-one plant-based supplements have been researched and formulated by nutritionists. They combine nutrients of the highest quality which have studies behind their use for specific health issues yet are not usually found in a regular diet or multivitamin such as passion flower, lemon balm, propolis, reishi, rhodiola, elderberry, bee pollen and many more.
The formulas incorporate therapeutic amounts of active ingredients and are free from allergens and contain no fillers, binders, synthetic ingredients or excipients. They’ve won over 30 industry awards, including Environmental Hero in the 2022, Your Healthy Living Awards and Best High Street Brand in the coveted Beauty Shortlist 2022 Wellbeing Awards. Consumer reviews are outstanding.
Each supplement (for immunity, hay fever, energy, stress/anxiety & sleep) contains different ingredients so they may be taken together if desired. Capsule contents may be opened into juices and food for those who don’t like swallowing pills. They are made in the UK a top GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) facility ensuring the very highest quality control.
Bee prepared immune formulas (daily defence & max strength) are ideal to take daily or as needed, and contain ingredients with natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. They’re also helpful for hay fever as several ingredients have antihistamine properties. Suitable for most ages.
Bee calm anxiety and stress support contains 8 ingredients shown to help ease tension, agitation and worry and to help lift low moods.
Bee rested sleep support 9 ingredients shown to help one nod off faster and wake up less in the night, feeling refreshed the next day.
Bee energised energy & focus contains ingredients shown to help fight fatigue and brain fog. Helpful for fitness training, when run down, long covid, jet lag, menopause, exams or after an illness.
Available through CLF, Bio-Nature, Hunts, & Wholefoods Ireland.
