As far as productivity is concerned, we humans have nothing on the humble honey bee. Bees are responsible for pollinating 80% of the world's edible crops, providing food and the clothing for humans, making them contribute an estimated $14 billion to the value of US crop production alone.
Bees are under threat due to a viciously spreading predatory mite. Thankfully there seems to be evidence emerging of bees fighting back and some populations recovering, but human awareness and support is still important. On August 22, we celebrate National Honey Bee Day. It's not just how biologically important bees are to life on earth but their creative contribution that DesignCrowd loves.
With their distinctive coloring and the beautiful hexagon shape of their hives, bees lend themselves perfectly for iconic designers and creative experiments. Bees have long inspired artists and graphic designers, not only visually striking creatures, bees symbolize fertility, energy, diligence and indefatigable effort - characteristics that businesses large and small wish to be known for. So important are bees to humankind that the ancient Greeks had a god of bee-keeping, Aristeaus.
Bee (hehe) inspired by these 10 buzzy designs by DesignCrowd designers - and take note of the 10 ways you can help look after your neighbourhoood's local bees!
1. Bees are thirsty – leave a little bowl of water out, especially on hot summer days
2. Don't obsessively mow your lawn – let some weeds sprout
3. Plant flowers and produce bees love - clover, oregano and buttercups are great choices
4. Provide nesting space – build a bee box or choose to leave old hollow tree stumps standing
5. Eliminate pesticides – you wouldn't want chemicals sprayed on your lunch, would you?
6. Wash out old honey jars – foreign honey can contain bacteria and spores that might kill an entire colony if they feed on your trash
7. Let some of your veggies go to seed – they provide crucial hive supplies for the winter months
8. Leave a bee be – they're not trying to hurt you, so don't kill them unnecessarily
9. Support your local beekeepers – buy local, raw honey (raw = no chemical treatment)
10. Spread the word – let others know what they can do
Tips were collated from the Guardian, Queen of the Sun, and Mother Nature Network (MNN).
Bonus Link: Bee Logo Design Maker
Written by Hanna Schenkel on Friday, August 21, 2015
Hanna Schenkel is a freelance writer, editor and marketing specialist based in Sydney. Her critical and creative work has been published nationally and anthologised. Get in touch via LinkedIn.
