3 Simple Ways You Can Help The Bees

If honey is a staple in your pantry, taking a few steps to help the bees could be used to your advantage. Everything from where you buy your food to how you treat your garden could make a difference.

Click here for the 19 Crops That Would Disappear Without Bees slideshow.

Buy Local, Raw Honey

It should be important to you to know where your honey is coming from and how the bees that make it are being treated. Strive to buy local, raw honey from chemical-free hives. The best way to do this is by going to a farmers market in your area and talking to the farmer himself. If you don't have that luxury, look at the labels on the honey in the grocery store. The honey should say "pure" or "raw" or should mention that it is untreated by chemicals.

Eliminate Pesticides All Together

Pesticides are not only harmful for your health, but also the health of the bees. When you have the option, choose to buy organic produce and use organic and natural methods of pest control. You can learn a lot from organic gardening!

Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers

Planting flowers in your garden or throughout your yard can help provide bees with forage. Be sure to avoid using chemicals with your flowers, so that it doesn't negatively affect the pollen of the bees. Plant varieties such as lavender, squash, pumpkins, mint, sage, and honeysuckle are beneficial options.

The accompanying slideshow is provided by special contributor Will Budiaman.