10 July

Bees have been around for centuries and are closely related to wasps. They are mostly found in every part of the world that has insect-pollinated flowering plants. Bees are essential to our survival and play a big role in balancing our ecosystem. They are great pollinators, produce honey, and give us food. This day marks the importance of the existence of these insects and the work that they do.

In honor of these important living creatures, Don’t Step On A Bee Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy and is particularly celebrated in the United States and the United Kingdom. Often misinterpreted as a day that is only focused on not willingly step on bees or harm them, the day holds a greater significance. While it is important that one is aware that walking barefoot may increase the chances of a bee sting, it is also necessary to remember the many benefits that bees bring.

3 July

Plastic pollution is a global catastrophe and sadly it is a man-made one. Did you know that approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used on a global scale? Just think about how many of these bags will end up littered all over the planet. This is having an extremely detrimental effect on the environment, wildlife and indeed human health.

The marine ecosystem in particular is suffering immensely as a result of plastic pollution. 31 species of marine mammals are known to have ingested marine plastic whilst over 100 species of sea birds have ingested plastic artefacts. Over 250 species have become entangled in plastic, whilst entanglement rates of approximately eight percent have been discovered in some sea lion and seal species.

Pledging to say no to plastic bags is a huge step towards tackling the damage caused by plastic pollution.