“If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.” 

                                                                  - Maurice Maeterlinck, The Life of the Bee

Key players of our ecosystem, bees play a significant role in the pollination of many fruit, nuts, vegetables, and other species. A world without bees would mean a world without food sources, and the co-existence of different species. So forget about having broccoli, asparagus, cantaloupes, cucumbers, pumpkins, blueberries, watermelons, almonds, apples, cranberries cherries and even meat or dairy on your table!

And it’s not only food, but honey bees also play a significant role in the pollination of other important crops such as cotton and flax and several valuable non-food products, such as beeswax or honey used in cleaning and beauty products. Hence without them no clothes or makeup!

So, celebrate the hardworking insects and start using these bee-utiful products that are all about reconnecting us to the natural world!

Ethically Produced Beeswax

“The bee's life is like a magic well: the more you draw from it, the more it fills with water”

                                                                                                              -Karl Von Frisch 

Natural and renewable, Beeswax is a sustainable alternative to synthetic, mineral oil-based waxes and other products. A by-product of honey production, where bees produce excess honey in wax honeycombs which can be taken by beekeepers without affecting the colony, this non-toxic and edible product is used for making candles, to seal preserving jars and to coat cheeses.

Candles

Think aromatherapy and think beeswax candles. Pure beeswax candles can clean the air by releasing negative ions into the air which bind with toxins and help remove them from the air. Being helpful to people with asthma or allergies beeswax candles are effective in eliminating common allergens such as dust and dander from the air. When it comes to burning, these candles burn more brightly and beautifully than any other wax as it exudes a faint, natural fragrance of honey and pollen. This aroma can be accentuated when mixed with essential oils. Check out some dreamy beeswax candles from Studio Tartufo.

Food Wraps

Washable, reusable and versatile, beeswax wraps are a healthier alternative to plastic wraps for food storage. Typically made with organic cotton, beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin, beeswax wraps are perfect for wrapping cheese, sandwiches, salads and fruits and vegetables keeping them fresh. The warmth of your hands allows you to shape the beeswax in whatever form you want and when refrigerated it forms a firm cover to protect your leftovers. 

Celebrating the importance of bees to us and our planet, Apiary Made's beeswax wraps come in various sizes and are printed with hand-designed patterns containing images such as beehives, bee smokers, honey jars, bees and so on. 

Naturally Derived Honey

“The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them.”

                                                                                                -Saint Francis de Sales

One of the most sustainable foods on earth, honey when compared to sugar production is much more environmentally friendly. This is because the latter by large requires the cutting down of trees for planting which in turn results in a loss of biodiversity. Honey on the other hand only requires bees and flowers, both of which flourish on untouched land. In other words, there is no soil degradation and no species lost allowing the busy bees to go about their routine in producing the nutritious nectar!

Another interesting fact about honey is that the versatility of its taste, smell and texture makes it an all-rounder. It can be floral, fruity, smoky, woody, spicy, nutty or earthy depending on its nectar source. And it can smell fresh or pungent and it can look clear or dark. 

Due to this amazing nature and wholesomeness, honey brings great taste, nutrition, and goodness when mixed in chocolates or beauty products.

Organic Jelly Bush Honey

Native to Australia (but part of the same family as the New Zealand ‘Manuka’), the sweeter Jelly Bush Honey, produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the Leptospermum flowers is a scientifically proven healing and immune booster with its anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beauty Products

The detoxifying, nourishing and restoring Goat’s Milk and Honey Soap from Rohr Remedy is a combination of rich organic goat’s milk with anti-inflammatory Manuka honey which is honey that is made in Australia and New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush.

Another name given to Manuka honey is Jelly Bush Honey. Treat your skin with the protective benefits of this medicinal honey along with the nourishment of jojoba and coconut oil through Apiary Made’s Hydrating Face Cream and moisturize your lips with The Natural Honey Lip Butter that includes the same honey together with pure beeswax, cocoa butter, and lemon.  

The luscious scent of honey can be enjoyed in Narrative Lab’s Awaken Fragrance which is a blend of fresh jasmine and sweet tones of honey.  

Candles

Likewise, indulge your senses with candles such as Moroccan Spice Wine Bottle Candle and Tobacco and Hay Beer Bottle Candle from Mojo Candle Co. and Keiora’s Australian Floral and Honey Candle, involves blends of honey with exotic fragrances of spices and flowers. 

Beneficial Bee Books and Cards

Aside from understanding the value of bees in the natural world and the incredible gifts they offer us, expand your knowledge on bees and how to keep them with these amazing books for kids and adults.

Teach your kids about the little busy insects through the beautifully illustrated The Bee Book which will open their mind to the wonder of bees. To learn about the history of these delightful pollinators go for the Book of Bees that is recommended for kids over 6.

For all novice gardeners, nature lovers and dedicated environmentalists, the Little Book of Bees are packed with details of the evolution and communication of bees along with beekeeping and saving the bees. Everything you need to know to keep bees on your rooftop, balcony or in your backyard can be found in Backyard Bees Book that will keep you hooked. Whereas, tips on growing an irresistible honeybee forage along with creating a thriving garden at the same time is explained in the book Planting for Honeybees.  

On the other hand if your friend or close ones are into bees and gardening, you can simply send the Happy Birthday Bee Seed Card on their special day. Made from recycled paper this card contains live basil seeds that just needs to be planted under 3mm of soil and watered well. Contribute to a gorgeous garden as well as the health of the bee population!