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THEME OF THE MONTH:
Increasing Biodiversity
1
60%
of UK food waste is by individuals in their own homes.
MENU
This month, we're focusing on creative ways to increase biodiversity, specifically we will be focusing on pollinators and the food chain.
KEY FACTS
Biodiversity, the variety of plants and animals in the world or a specific habitat, is essential for human survival and wellbeing. It ensures a stable food supply by supporting diverse crops and livestock, purifies water, maintains soil health, and regulates the climate.
This diversity is crucial to SMF's mission, as we are a food and wellbeing focused company; maintaining healthy ecosystems is fundamental to our food production and directly aligns with what we are aiming for.
75%
of our food comes from pollinators such as bees. (IPBES)
500,000
premature deaths are caused as a result of global loss of healthy foods. (Source)
TIPS & TRICKS
How to increase biodiversity
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Eliminate the use of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids.
Grow nectar rich plants in your garden such as lavendar, daisies and the mint family
Allow beneficial weeds like dandelions and clover to grow.
Group similar plants together to make it easier to be found by pollinators.
Grow fruits and vegetables, they attract pollinators.
Choose a variety of native plants that bloom at different times of the year for continuous food.
Include bee hotels, nesting sites, and undisturbed areas of soil in your garden.
Set up shallow water sources like bird baths with pebbles.
If you're looking for more ways to promote biodiversity we have an article just for you.
Read our "5 easy ways to make your garden bee-friendly!" here.
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CROP OF THE MONTH: Basil
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In the same family as mint.
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There are over 60 varieties of basil, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil, each with its own unique flavour and aroma.
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Basil is rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
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When left to flower they are a great plant for pollinators.
Classic Basil Pesto Recipe:
The perfect meal for any time of the day.
NUTRIENT OF THE MONTH: Eugenol
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Not considered a nutrient, but a bioactive compound, Eugenol is found in basil.
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When eaten it reduces blood pressure, reduces congestion and eases gastrointestinal issues.
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It's known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
DISCOVER
Resources
The Science of our Planet
In this Netflix documentary, David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström examine Earth's biodiversity collapse and how this crisis can still be averted. Watch this documentary and be inspired.
The Secret Network of Nature
Drawing on the latest scientific discoveries and decades of experience as a forester, Peter Wohlleben explores how different animals, plants, rivers, rocks and weather systems cooperate, and the consequence of these being unbalanced.
Future Ecologies
Explore our eco-social relationships through stories, science, music, and soundscapes in this podcast. Every episode is an invitation to see the world in a new light — bringing together narrative and interviews with expert knowledge holders.