It's that time of year again - May 20th, World Bee Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of bees in our ecosystem. And what better way to celebrate than by taking a look at one of the most beloved bee-centric films of all time: "The Bee Movie." It's a classic that taught us all a valuable lesson about the importance of bees and the role they play in our ecosystem.
For those who haven't seen it (though honestly, who hasn't?), "The Bee Movie" tells the story of Barry B. Benson, a bee who decides to sue humans for stealing honey from bees. While the movie is certainly entertaining, it also contains some valuable lessons about the environment and our role in protecting it. Let's take a look at a few of the environmental lessons we can learn from this movie and what we can do to help our buzzing friends.
Bees are vital to our ecosystem, especially our food supply
As Barry points out in the movie, "Bees have never been afraid to change the world." Bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants, which in turn helps to maintain the health and biodiversity of our ecosystems. Without bees, many of our favorite foods (such as apples, almonds, and blueberries) would be much harder to come by.
Bees are responsible for pollinating our crops and, without them, we would be in big trouble. This is actually a real-life issue as well. Bees pollinate around a third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, we would lose a huge portion of our food supply.
Action: Plant bee-friendly flowers and support local beekeepers.
To help support the bee population, you can plant bee-friendly flowers (native wildflowers) in your garden or on your balcony. Some great options include lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers. You can also support local beekeepers by buying honey from them or even renting a hive for your backyard.
We need to protect our natural resources
One of the key themes of "The Bee Movie" is the idea that humans are taking more than their fair share of resources from nature. The bees in the movie are understandably upset about humans taking their honey, but it's a metaphor for the larger issue of overconsumption and environmental degradation. Bees are facing numerous threats, including pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change. We need to take better care of our natural resources so that future generations can enjoy them as well.
Action: Reduce your carbon footprint and choose eco-friendly products.
To help protect the environment, you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint. This can include things like using public transportation, eating a plant-based diet and reducing your energy consumption. You can also choose eco-friendly products, such as cleaning supplies and personal care products, that are free of harmful chemicals.
Every action counts
In "The Bee Movie," Barry learns that even the smallest actions can have a big impact on the environment. By standing up for his fellow bees and taking legal action against humans, he sets off a chain reaction that ultimately leads to a more sustainable future for both bees and humans. Similarly, we can all do our part to protect the environment, whether it's by recycling, conserving water, or reducing our carbon footprint. Every time you make a choice to support the environment, you are making a difference.
Action: Spread the word and inspire others to take action.
One of the most important things you can do to help the environment is to spread the word and inspire others to take action. Share what you've learned about bees and the environment with your friends and family. Encourage them to take action and make a difference in their own lives.
What else can we do to help bees and other pollinators? Here are a few ideas:
Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals that can harm bees
Buy local honey to support beekeepers in your area
Support organizations that are working to protect pollinators and their habitats
The Bee Movie" may be a lighthearted family-friendly comedy, but it contains some important messages about the environment and our role in protecting it. So, let's take a moment on World Bee Day to appreciate the humble bee, and to think about what we can do to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all.
Learn about the UN establishment of World Bee Day. See what activities are taking place. Find out what you can do to celebrate World Bee Day.
"The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others." - Saint John Chrysostom
Bee Fun Fact: Bees are capable of recognizing human faces and remembering them for several days.
Bee Movie, Official Trailer
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Nicole Jackson is a Climate Justice Fellow at the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. She is the Co-Chair of the Prince George's County Climate Resident Advisory Group, Chair of the District Heights Sustainability Committee, and Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Diversity Equity, and Inclusion at Monarch Professional Services Group. Nicole enjoys reading, spending time with family, and ecotourism.
***Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles and posts on the blog "Monarch Matters" are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinion of Monarch Professional Services Group. We believe in providing a platform for diverse perspectives and encouraging open and respectful dialogue on the issues of sustainability, environmentalism, and environmental and climate justice. Nevertheless, the content on this blog should not be taken as a representation of Monarch PSG’s views or beliefs. As always, we encourage readers to form their own opinions based on careful consideration of multiple sources of information.***