Fiona and Frank Foley are doing their weekly grocery shopping. They normally try to choose locally produced, Irish made products as this helps to protect local jobs. The Foleys also try to buy organic fruit and vegetables. Lucy and Jason couldn’t see any differences between organic and non-organic products, except in the price. Frank explained that he preferred organic food because it is grown without pesticides or chemicals, which is better for wildlife and health.
‘Everyone knows that bees pollinate flowers, but did you know that the pollination work of bees is also essential for the production of fruit and vegetables?’ asked Frank. ‘For example, without the work of bees, there would be no more cucumbers, pumpkins, blueberries, broccoli, watermelons, almonds, apples, cranberries or cherries. Food supplies would collapse. Unfortunately, bee populations are falling due to environmental damage and the use of agricultural chemicals. Buying organic food helps to protect the environment – including bees!’ Jason never realised how important bees were and Lucy had never considered how the decisions that we make when shopping could make such a difference to the world.
