Sadly, bee populations are on the decline, and while the cause hasn’t been proven, scientists and beekeepers believe pathogens, loss of crop diversity and pesticide exposure are all factors.

While the cause of the disappearing bees may be unknown, there’s still a lot we can do to help stave off further declines. Through its Share the Buzz campaign, Whole Foods is doing its part by offering these great tips for saving the bees.

1. Buy organic products.
2. Plant bee-friendly fruits and flowers and make your garden a haven for honeybees.
3. Avoid using pesticides on your lawn and garden.
4. Buy products from such brands as Hain Celestial Group, Amy’s, Blue Diamond and Stonyfield, which have pledged to donate funds for honeybee preservation.
5. Take up beekeeping.

For more information on the bee issue and how you can help, click here.

Nature & More, a Dutch-based international distributor of organic fruits and vegetables, has partnered with several environmental NGO’s to help distribute 400,000 free bags of organic flower seeds for bees in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and the Czech Republic. Already in the Netherlands, a popular 1,000 km long cycle track along farms and countryside called the “Potato trail” is being transformed into a “bee path.”
One of the goals of the campaign is to promote organic farming. In recent months, several studies have come out showing that pesticides are to blame — at least in part — for declining bee populations. And mega seed producer Monsanto has come under fire for purchasing the lead research firm studying bee decline, with critics saying the company did so in order to sway the results in its favor.

Research into declining bee populations is nothing new, and many agree that several factors are to blame.

Still, no matter if it is the cause, or one of several, promoters of organic farming believe pesticide use is no way to support healthy bee populations.

Natute & More founder Volkert Engelsman said, “Since the ’90s of last century we have been trying to get across that ‘organic’ means much more than not using chemical inputs. Farmers in Asia, America and Europe who work with us recognize that the future of agriculture must lie in teaming up with nature, instead of fighting it. The bees are our allies, so let’s support them.”

If you want to learn more about the Nature & More campaign, click here.

Baking soda and water: This remedy works best if you know what stung you. If it’s a bee, mix baking soda and water and the mixture will neutralize the formic acid in a bee sting. If you were stung by wasp, use vinegar to neutralize the alkaline in the wasp sting.

Basil or Parsley: Rubbing crushed basil or parsley on the area suffering from the sting will reduce the pain. Plus, who doesn’t like the smell of fresh herbs?

Honey: It’s almost like the bees are mocking us, but this is the cure most recommend by beekeepers and honey producers.  Drizzle honey on the area of the bee sting for a soothing affect that will also help prevent infections.

Ice: The age-old natural cure for many aliments works with bee stings too. Applying ice to the area will numb the pain and reduce swelling.

Toothpaste: Use toothpaste only if you know a wasp did not sting you. The alkaline in the toothpaste will neutralize the formic acid from a bee sting.

Got your own home remedies for stings? Tell us about them below.