There are 1.4 billion insects per person on this planet and we need (almost) every one of them.Simon Worrall, National Geographic
With insect populations on decline, and many species becoming endangered, including several types of the all-important bee family, it looks like we’re in trouble on this planet.
Insects are the ‘lever pullers’ of the world doing $57 billion dollars of work in the US alone… for nothing, claims David MacNeal in this National Geographic article:
But what can the average person do in this deepening emergency? According to leading scientists and environmentalists, one of the best ways to help curb the decline of insects is to cut down on our use of pesticides. Essentially, consumers need to be choosing organic food wherever possible, increasing the demand for organic farming and decreasing the reliance on intensive, pesticide-heavy farming.
“If you buy organic food, you make sure the land is used less intensively. There are a lot of studies that show organic farming is better for insects than intensive farming. It is quite logical.”Professor Axel Hochkirch, International Union for the Conservation of Nature
In the everyday garden, there are also things you can do.
- Keep areas of your garden un-mown and populate the long grasses with wildflower seeds.
- Plant native plants wherever possible. The insects will flourish in a ‘home’ environment.
- Avoid use of fertilisers and pesticides in the garden.