By Mary England  Sept. 2, 2021

Most individuals would assume almost all of the oxygen we breath comes from trees, and while trees are nothing short of paramount for our existence, diatoms play an unbelievably crucial role in our survival. These single-celled organisms are responsible for 50% of breathable air for all beings. They remove and convert carbon dioxide from the air into oxygen and carbon in the form of sugar. Moreover, using photosynthesis, diatoms produce sugar from the suns energy.

Everyone knows we need to save the trees, but we also need to save the diatoms. The recent rise in climate change is severely affecting diatoms, as their population is inevitably decreasing as a result. Furthermore, diatom populations in different areas are being affected due to floods and droughts, which ultimately affects where they can function and grow.

Diatoms also play a vital role in the food chain. They are food for zooplankton, which are food for a number of other species. Ultimately, the ocean (as well as other water bodies), the species found within these water bodies, and the whole world is dependent on diatoms for survival.

We must not underestimate the capabilities of diatoms. Although they are single-celled microscopic eukaryotes, they have a macroscopic effect on the world.

Sources

diatoms.org

sciencing.com

   By Mary England   May 20, 2021.

Most people think of bees as the small, yellow and black insect that makes the sweet, delectable honey that we put in our tea. But in reality, bees are so much more. The world would not be possible without bee’s. Bees give life to all beings. Bees are a unique species that give beauty to the world. But more importantly, bees provide food and life to humans and other animals. Bees are pollinators, and the food chain could not be sustained without pollination. Bees play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems in nature. This allows plants to grow and ecosystems to rejuvenate. Pollination gives life to over 90% of plants on earth. A large portion of the food consumed by humans requires pollination, making bees crucial for our survival. More specifically, bees pollinate over one third of food consumed by humans. To add, not only do bees pollinate plants consumed by humans, but they also play a significant role in the food supply for animals.

We, as humans, need to do our part to maintain the bee population. They are vital in the survival of the human race. Without bees, all ecosystems would be negatively impacted, and the food supply for humans and animals would significantly affected. Plant species could die off, causing other animals to go extinct. Famine would occur in humans without the necessary food that is maintained by bees.

Bees are so much more than small insects. They give life to all species on earth and allow ecosystems to grow and thrive. World Bee Day gives us the opportunity to recognize the significant impact that bees have on the planet, and to do our part to help them do their job of helping us.

Why bees are so important:

1.  Provide food to other species
2.  Pollinate plants all over the world
3.  Give beauty to the earth
4.  Involved in maintaining the food chain
5.  Allow a variety of species to exist with each other
6.  Play a role in the economy for agriculture

What we can do to help bees:

1. Plant trees, flowers and other species of plants that promote bee pollination
2. Don’t use insecticides
3. Support research, charities and organizations committed to helping to sustain the bee population
4. Educate others on the impact that bees have on the earth

Click on the image to learn more about WORLD BEE DAY!

There is no reason why we shouldn’t already be using these because I think we can all agree that the plastic produce bags in the grocery store isle are nothing short of cringe worthy. You know what ones I mean, the clear colourless thin plastic bags on the roll in the produce isle that you can NEVER get to pull apart!! I’m getting angry just thinking about them! But, luckily there are options out there like these handy bags that you can try for really, the price of your morning latte.

These particular reusable bags can be found in most grocery store isles and are colour coded so you can use the same one for a specific type of produce if you prefer. The mesh material allows you to easily scan items without trouble at checkout and they are lightweight, have a drawstring closure and are machine washable. I find them to be practical, easy to use and affordable which for me, makes them a must have in my quest to be eco conscious.

http://www.planetebags.com

If you aren’t familiar with the Dr. Bronners family of products you must stop what you’re doing right now and start your research because this company is knocking it out of the park. With their wide range of products that take you, your home and our earth into consideration with everything they do.

Currently I’m crushing on the unscented liquid castile soap. I know, I know, it sounds boring, but there are just so many things that it can be used for and with the help of some essential oils, I can scent it myself to whatever my heart desires that day.

When using the castile soap they suggest diluting it. Not too worry though, on their website they offer a list of different ways the soaps can be used along with a dilution cheat sheet. Super easy! I’ve tried a number of the recipes, which range from cleaners to veggie wash to toothpaste…yes I said toothpaste!  For the more adventurous the soaps come in a wide range of scents, all of which are biodegradable and made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients and packed in 100% recycled bottles.

With many certifications, Dr Bronner’s products are certified to the strictest industry standards. The truth is in the labeling! No greenwashing hype here! www.drbronner.com

These little guys pack a big punch in my house. I use these wraps everyday and I can’t say enough about them! This is a somewhat newer type of food storage wrap that describes themselves to be reusable beeswax that breathes and keeps your food fresher for longer and I have to say…they aren’t lying!

Not only do they prolong the life of my food, but I’ve reduced the amount of plastic food wrap by using them! They are self adhesive and take the shape of whatever you wrap in it, then when you’re done simply rinse it off with cold water afterwards and reuse to your heart’s content. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

When I really love a product or company and what they stand for, I like to spread the love. I have bought these as gifts for friends who have all told me how fabulous they are. I’ve had co-workers buy them after seeing me using them and rave about them. My coworkers could not believe how green my two day old avocado was and quite frankly, neither could I!

I’ve had my wraps for a year and they have just started to slowly show their age, but being biodegradable and compostable you can return them right where they came from…the earth.

I encourage everyone to join the beeswax food wrap movement!