APIARY
Fall 2020
Apiary
This project utilizes platforms of social media (Youtube and Instagram) to inform the public about the importance of solitary bee species, and the ways they can rework their environment to help them. From tutorials on creating bio-composite hives structures to information on native species of flowers in their area they can plant to help their populations.
Bees pollinate 71 of the 100 crops that account for 90% of the world’s food supply according to the United Nations Environmental Program.
They are an essential species and are in rapid decline. This phenomenon in Europe and the US has been recognized as Colony Collapse Disorder and is a measure of loss due to many factors.
Take a glance @apiaryy on Instagram for a closer look!
Honey Bees at a Disadvantage
Neonicotinic pesticides have decimated the European honey bee populations. Mites, viruses, and diseases spread throughout the community bee populations. These managed social bees are unequipped with the genetic diversity they need to survive. Solitary Bees pollinate 120 times more plants than honeybees and are equipped with the genetic diversity and behavior to survive human-induced problems.
Open Design
The ideals of open design resonate with environmental action. Sharing vital information and developing community engagement is an important measure to the stresses of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Social Media platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow access and discussion vital to environmental action.
Bee Bomb kit has a pack of seed pods unique to regions of pollinators.
Community Tutorial Videos.
Material tests and applications of solitary bee homes are shared on the site to grow the platform’s educational purposes.
