Environmental Tips | Deafness Support Network

Environmental Tip of the Month

Bee Green

Being more environmentally friendly isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint. It’s also about increasing our insect footprint.

There are many insects that are key to our lives. One of the most important groups is pollinating insects. These are the critters that pollinate our plants and ensure that we have enough food. Some of these pollinators also give us much more.

Bees are fabulous pollinators AND they produce honey, royal jelly and propolis.

Bees are key to our food supply and, although not loved by everyone, these fabulously fuzzy bumblers help us not only in our gardens, but also in the fields where our crops are grown.

So whilst reducing your carbon footprint, why not increase you bee print by encouraging bees and providing them with the things they love most!

Here at DSN we’re also encouraging pollinators. Our sensory garden at Lavender Lodge has plants and flowers that not only smell good, but are great for pollinating insects.
The gardening area at our Stepping Stones building will also soon be full of busy pollinators. The area has recently been revamped with a brand new greenhouse and Tenants will be growing a range of plants and flowers this year.

Would you like to get involved in encouraging pollinators? Don’t worry, you don’t need to have a garden. A yard, window ledge or front step is enough. Why not consider a window box, a hanging basket or some stylish pots?

You can read about ways to encourage pollinating insects on the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website.

Also, read about how one supermarket is taking steps to be more bee friendly.

Daylight Saving Time - British Summer Time Begins!

While we're all jumping for joy at the thought of warmer weather and longer days,
don't forget the savings you could be making on energy, when you put your clocks forward.

Make sure you:

* Adjust the clock on your central heating boiler.
* Change the settings on your timer switches if you use them for lamps etc.
* Adjust your room thermostat and heating times as the weather warms up.
* Make the most of dry days by hanging clothes on the washing line instead of using the tumble dryer.
* Have a spring clean using green cleaners. Visit thedailygreen.com for tips on how to 'clean green'.