---
id: 3bfbcdc6-4556-4148-ae98-6076141f8888
blueprint: default
title: Living
author: 5946e059-6ded-4e28-811d-461564fe45e4
updated_by: 4eab0762-d09f-4d12-9634-26c9cab89e08
updated_at: 1731689210
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parent: fd02755c-879e-4167-9083-e9ac9c5e1a39
seo_title: 'Beesponsible Living'
seo_description: "A Beesponsible lifestyle isn't just bee-friendly. It's earth-friendly too. Learn how to help our pollinating friends and the environment we all share."
og_image: meta/do_living.jpg
content:
  -
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    hero_image: hero/living---desktop-1720815995.jpg
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    hero_title: 'BE KIND TO POLLINATORS AND THE PLANET WE ALL SHARE.'
    hero_text: 'A Beesponsible lifestyle isn’t just bee-friendly. It’s earth-friendly, too. This approach to living not only helps our pollinating friends, but also sustains our communities and local economies, promotes public and personal health and, of course, nurtures the environment that connects us all.'
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  -
    id: sQ51yZ0D
    title: 'Focus on Beesponsible Basics'
    text_content: |-
      - Gain an appreciation for the wonders of [honeybees](/learn/honeybees) as well as the many important [native bee species](/learn/native-bees).
      - Show respect for all bees, their foraging instincts and their natural habitats.
      - Plant bee-friendly flowers, shrubs and trees in your [garden and landscaping](/do/bee-gardening).
      - Go [pesticide-free](/learn/pesticides-bees) and use natural methods to manage problem weeds and pests.
      - Leave some patches of bare dirt (free of mulch, turf or fabric) to provide a home for ground-nesting bees.
      - Provide natural nesting materials (such as a tree snag, old log or brush pile) as habitat for cavity-nesting bees.
      - Add a shallow, clean water source to your garden — bees and other insects will appreciate it.
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  -
    id: E3x8Qz8R
    title: 'Be a Bee Advocate'
    text_content: |-
      - Spread awareness of the important connection between bees, humans, our food supply and our natural ecosystems.
      - Urge your elected officials to support [bee-friendly legislature](/advocate).
      - Encourage your local leaders or city council to fill public spaces with pollinator-friendly plants.
      - Get involved in community gardening initiatives.
      - Give your neighbors a gift of potted bee-friendly flowers or wildflower seed packets.
      - Inspire friends, family and [younger generations](/do/beesponsible-kids) to learn more about the benefits of bees and their many wonders.
    image: 2_be-a-bee-advocate-1721942780.jpg
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  -
    id: avq8SXjK
    title: 'Eat with a Conscience'
    text_content: |-
      - Cultivate an awareness of how you eat, what you eat and why it matters.
      - Shop local food sources including neighborhood grocers, farmers' markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.
      - Buy raw, ethically sourced [honey](https://shop.beesponsible.com/collections/all-products).
      - Grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs at home.
      - Ask questions to gain an understanding about your food's growth and preparation.
      - Understand and appreciate the many food crops that rely on [bee pollination](/learn/pollination).
      - Take control of the ingredients that go into your meals by learning (or relearning) how to cook.
      - Practice mindful eating to reduce food waste. Compost your organic food scraps to keep them out of the landfill and return nutrients to the ground instead.
    image: 3_eat-with-a-conscience-1720894570-1721942789.jpg
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  -
    id: OEsIIo38
    title: 'Live Greener'
    text_content: |-
      - Reduce your everyday impact on the environment to lower your carbon footprint.
      - Eliminate the application of toxic pesticides and other chemicals in your lawn and garden.
      - Turn off your electronics and lights in your home when not in use. Also turn off outdoor lights at night (or use motion-activated lights) to reduce light pollution.
      - Refuse single-use plastics when grocery shopping or eating out.
      - Purchase (and use) fewer disposable household items.
      - Walk, bike, carpool or use public transit when possible.
      - Pick up litter in your neighborhood as well as city parks, beaches and other public areas.
      - Shut off running water when brushing teeth and hand-washing dishes.
      - Switch to chemical-free cleaning products, or try making your own with natural ingredients.
      - Reduce, reuse and recycle.
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---
