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According to statistics, 358 bee species live in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, more than half of them are already endangered and put on the Dutch Red List (RL). The Netherlands’ officials recognized the problem with declining bee population and found an ingenious solution – to transform the city of Utrecht’s bus stops into bee-friendly havens to support pollinating populations.
More info: Provincie Utrecht
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The city of Utrecht now has 316 bus stops with rooftops covered in greenery
Image credits: uitdragerij
Recently, the Utrecht council saw an opportunity to expand the functions of a regular bus stop by giving them a new wholesome purpose: To tackle the growing endangerment of honey bees. Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, located in the central part of the country.
The new lush rooftops will encourage pollination by honeybees and bumblebees
Image credits: evagladness
Not only do newly revamped bus stops look cozier, but the flowering plants also support the city’s dwindling ecosystems, such as honeybees and bumblebees. The green rooftops filled with flowers for bees also help to capture fine dust and store rainwater.
“A green roof is good for a healthy and livable city”
Image credits: Jolanda van Ginkel
“A green roof is good for a healthy and livable green city … that can, therefore, cope better with climate problems. It helps to prevent flooding and ensures that we suffer less from heat,” reads the official website of the city of Utrecht. The officials are planning to install solar panels atop the bus stops in the next few years as well.
However, it’s not the only environmentally-conscious initiative of the city of Utrecht
Image credits: uitdragerij
Back in February, Utrecht announced that they will be replacing their current buses with electric ones. The officials are hoping to employ an entirely carbon-neutral transit fleet before 2028.
Here’s what people online had to say
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What do you think ?
Ryo Bakura 5 years ago
Am I the only one thinking "Buzz Stops"? I can't see it anywhere, and the lack of this obviously lame pun is causing me physical pain.
Soozie Poozie 5 years ago
If “Buzz Stops” isn’t the official name, it definitely should be!! Brilliant, Ryo Bakura!!
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Aunt Messy 5 years ago
One thing that people don't do but should is put out bird baths. They aren't just for the birds, people! I've seen everything from a raven (no idea where he came from) to butterflies in my bird bath, and it's common to see both bumble bees and honey bees sitting at the edge and drinking.
Felicia Dale 5 years ago
Great idea! I would only add that small critters like bees need a rock or other platform to stand on so they can drink safely if the edge of your water feature or bird bath isn't shaped to accommodate them.
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Felicia Dale 5 years ago
For people worried about the bees and for those who are allergic: Mostly the bees will only go where there are flowers for them to feed on. Since these flowers will be well above human heads that should take care of most of the problems. Secondly, if you're allergic, CARRY AN EPIPEN with you! I know they've gotten ridiculously expensive here in the States but surely in the Netherlands they're more affordable. I have at least three friends here in the US who are deathly allergic to bees, who have Epipens but DON'T CARRY THEM WITH THEM. When I ask them why they don't have a real answer but say things like, oh, my purse is already full, I don't have a pocket that's the right size, etc. CARRY THE DAMN THING. And if you can't afford one you have all my sympathies- and my fury towards the people who run "health care" in the US. Things like this should be free and freely available at any pharmacy, ER, doctor's office, walk in clinic, etc.
Magpie 5 years ago
Very good points Felicia! In Australia there is a bit of a rigmarole to be able to get an epipen. If people are too stupid to carry it, when they have one...... https://darwinawards.com/
Load More Replies...
Ryo Bakura 5 years ago
Am I the only one thinking "Buzz Stops"? I can't see it anywhere, and the lack of this obviously lame pun is causing me physical pain.
Soozie Poozie 5 years ago
If “Buzz Stops” isn’t the official name, it definitely should be!! Brilliant, Ryo Bakura!!
Load More Replies... Aunt Messy 5 years ago
One thing that people don't do but should is put out bird baths. They aren't just for the birds, people! I've seen everything from a raven (no idea where he came from) to butterflies in my bird bath, and it's common to see both bumble bees and honey bees sitting at the edge and drinking.
Felicia Dale 5 years ago
Great idea! I would only add that small critters like bees need a rock or other platform to stand on so they can drink safely if the edge of your water feature or bird bath isn't shaped to accommodate them.
Load More Replies... Felicia Dale 5 years ago
For people worried about the bees and for those who are allergic: Mostly the bees will only go where there are flowers for them to feed on. Since these flowers will be well above human heads that should take care of most of the problems. Secondly, if you're allergic, CARRY AN EPIPEN with you! I know they've gotten ridiculously expensive here in the States but surely in the Netherlands they're more affordable. I have at least three friends here in the US who are deathly allergic to bees, who have Epipens but DON'T CARRY THEM WITH THEM. When I ask them why they don't have a real answer but say things like, oh, my purse is already full, I don't have a pocket that's the right size, etc. CARRY THE DAMN THING. And if you can't afford one you have all my sympathies- and my fury towards the people who run "health care" in the US. Things like this should be free and freely available at any pharmacy, ER, doctor's office, walk in clinic, etc.
Magpie 5 years ago
Very good points Felicia! In Australia there is a bit of a rigmarole to be able to get an epipen. If people are too stupid to carry it, when they have one...... https://darwinawards.com/
Load More Replies...
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