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Many natural brands have devoted profits, packaging and their platform to help change the trajectory of the pollinator problem.

Jessie Shafer, RD, Director of Influence & Health Education

March 26, 2017

6 Slides

At Natural Products Expo West 2017, there was a buzz in the air. The palpable quandary was about more than just the exciting growth of the industry, what with record-breaking attendance and exhibitors filling wall-to-wall space in the convention center, Hilton and the Marriott. This year, many natural brands used their precious booth space to drive education about the plight of pollinators.

Why care about the bees? For starters, the statistics are alarming: One in every three bites of food you eat is dependent on pollinating bees, and about 75 percent of the world’s food crops and 90 percent of wild plants depend on pollinators for survival. The problem? Bees are dying at a rate of 30 percent per year due to several reasons, including mysterious colony collapse disorder, reduced sources of food and habitat, and modern-day agricultural practices. In California’s Salinas Valley, dubbed “America’s Salad Bowl,” bees are shipped in from as far as Florida, Michigan and Maine to help pollinate dependent crops, such as tree nuts, cacao, beans, avocados and nearly all fruits and vegetables. Recently, a few New Hope editors visited this part of California to learn more about the solution of planting hedgerows to reduce dependence on commercial beekeepers.

Many natural brands are learning and educating more about this topic, too, by dedicating their profits, packaging and/or their platforms to help change the trajectory of the pollinator problem. Here are six standout brands from Expo West that are doing something to help save the bees.

About the Author(s)

Jessie Shafer, RD

Director of Influence & Health Education, New Hope Network

Jessie Shafer, RD, is New Hope Network's director of influence and health education. In this role, Jessie curates opportunities and appropriate partnerships for New Hope's health and wellness influencer audience, as well as health practitioner and nutrition expert audience. Jessie is a Northwestern University graduate, registered dietitian, and long-time health journalist, having worked for more than 17 years at four major publishing houses on consumer-facing health brands, including Meredith Corporation and August Home Publishing and holding the role of editor-in-chief of Delicious Living for four years. Jessie and her husband relocated from Iowa to Colorado in 2015 where they enjoy riding their bike, hiking in the mountains and being mom to a cute and curious toddler. 

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