Bee-friendly Products for Sustainable Living

Here at The Beeswax Co. we’re committed to creating sustainable products. We couldn’t do what we do without our numero uno pollinatior, honeybees. We show them how grateful we are by staying active in the fight for honeybee health and supporting ethical beekeepers. It really is all about spreading the word and sharing our passion. For Earth Day this year, will you join us in showing the Earth and honeybees some love? By making a few changes in your daily routine, you can make a positive impact.

Did you know that the U.S. has the biggest carbon footprint of any other country? In fact, the average American contributes four times as much emissions as the average global citizen. While we may have the largest footprint, we also make the biggest impact when we change. So, what can you do to reduce your footprint?  Small changes can go a long way. For example, eating one vegetarian meal a week for a year saves the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced when driving 1,160 miles. To create a healthier, greener future we each need to do our part. Here are some ideas that you could incorporate into your home.

In the Backyard

Not just limited to Earth Day, a wonderful way to live sustainably is to grow your own garden. Growing just a few of your own vegetables will have several positive impacts on the environment. First, you create a healthy place for bees to pollinate. Second, you decrease the amount of packaging waste your family generates. Third, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the biggest emitters of air pollutants are delivery trucks. Growing your own food will not only reduce emissions; growing plants also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the air through natural carbon sequestration. Through photosynthesis, plants naturally reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and store it in the soil. Here are some products that will help you start your garden.

• Rain barrels: Install a rain barrel in your backyard. This barrel connects to your gutters and collects water when it rains. Rainwater is actually better for plants than the treated water that is typically in your sprinkler system. Rainwater is slightly acidic, making it more compatible with the microorganisms that help plants take in nutrients.
• Clay pot irrigation: Water can be scarce in Texas. That’s why you must have a good irrigation system. Dripping Springs Ollas produces an irrigation tool you can plant directly in your garden. The olla collects water, and the water will permeate through the olla into the soil. The olla will increase how efficiently your water is distributed, so that you don’t need to water your plants as frequently.
• Compost bins: There are various ways to compost. Whether you buy a bin or make your own, composting is a critical part of making healthier soil. Many household waste items such as food and cardboard should be composted. Instead of throwing away fresh grass clippings, weeds, and tea leaves, put them in your compost bin. Your results will become a free alternative to fertilizers.
• Native seeds: When you are choosing plants for your garden, prioritize native plants. These plants are the easiest and cheapest to grow because they are naturally adapted to your biome’s living conditions. You will spend less money on fertilizers and pesticides because native plants don’t need them. Native American Seed sells bundles of seeds that are diverse and local to Texas.

In the Kitchen

You can also improve the way you prepare food.  In your kitchen right now, how many plastic products do you have? From food packaging to plastic sandwich bags to disposable utensils, our kitchens produce a lot of waste. Here are some long-lasting products to keep your kitchen efficient and effective.

• Beeswax candles: If you like to light a candle during dinner, consider using beeswax candles instead of paraffin or soy candles. Beeswax candles are the most environmentally friendly candles because they aren’t made from chemicals and they come from an environmentally conscious industry. The hallmark golden hue of beeswax ensures that beeswax candles will add a warm glow to any dining table.
• Wooden kitchen accessories: A lot of accessories in the kitchen can be replaced by wooden supplements. Wooden utensils tend to last longer and handle heat better than their plastic counterparts. They’re also biodegradable. What are some interesting finds in this category? Check out these stunning serving boards, wooden whisks, and silverware caddies.
• Beeswax reusable wraps: Beeswax wraps are great replacements for plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are reusable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. The typical wrap is made from cotton fabric, beeswax, and rosin. These wraps are easy to use. Simply warm the cloth with your hands and mold it over your bowl or wrap it around your food. The cloth will stiffen and protect your food. To clean your beeswax wrap, wash it in cool water with soap. When you’re ready to dispose of your wrap, you can cut it up and compost it.

Around the Home

In today’s age, many of our household necessities are made with chemicals and synthetic materials. While these necessities may not significantly harm us, we are still releasing chemicals into the environment. The collective build-up of these chemicals hurts our local ecosystems. Here are some natural substitutes for tools we use throughout our households.

• Beeswax cosmetics: A great way to incorporate more natural products into your life is through beeswax cosmetics. Beeswax is used in a variety of cosmetics such as lip balms, lotions, and creams. Because of its natural scent, beeswax’s scent doesn’t need to be altered. It’s a much healthier alternative to cosmetics that rely on synthetic ingredients and artificial scents.
• Natural cleaners: Reduce the amount of chemicals you use in your home by using natural cleaners. We could write a post just about eco-friendly cleaners because they come in so many varieties. Distilled white vinegar is a household staple that works well for cleaning counters. You can also try all-purpose cleaners from companies like Whole Foods, Arm & Hammer, and biokleen. Wellness Mama has a great list of recipes for cleaners you can make at home.
• Natural lubricants: Did you know that beeswax can function as a lubricant? It doesn’t require any tampering. You just need to rub a small coat of bulk beeswax on a door hinge and your door will start opening smoothly. There’s no need to buy a new box of specialized lubricants when you have access to an easy fix at home.

Although these are just a few suggestions, we hope that you have found some new inspiration through this post. Keep making conscious decisions to live more sustainably.

Did you add any new items to your wish list? Connect with us on our Facebook and Instagram for more inspiration.

Photo credits:

123rf.com: <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_brandont’>brandont / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

123rf.com: <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_duskbabe’>duskbabe / 123RF Stock Photo</a>