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March 4, 2018
Welcome to 2018 with some very welcome news for bees and other pollinators! Bunnings has announced that it will phase out the sale of neonicotinoid-based garden care products by the end of the year and work with its plant suppliers to stop using these pesticides on the plants it sells by the end of 2020.
The decision, originally made in November 2017, follows growing international concern about the effects of neonicotinoids on bees and other pollinating insects.
Why is this important?
Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that affect insects' nervous systems. They have been widely used in agriculture, horticulture and home gardens, but scientific evidence has raised concerns about their effects on bees and other pollinators.
These pesticides can be absorbed by plants, potentially leaving residues in pollen and nectar. Bees and other insects visiting treated flowers may consequently be exposed to the chemicals.
For gardeners who want to create a haven for bees, this presents a problem. A flowering plant may look healthy and provide an attractive source of food for pollinators, yet potentially expose them to harmful pesticides.
Bunnings' decision is therefore an important step towards making it easier for Australian gardeners to create safer, more pollinator-friendly gardens.
A welcome move towards bee-safe gardening
Bunnings' announcement covers two important changes:
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By the end of 2018: Phase out the sale of neonicotinoid-based garden care products.
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By the end of 2020: Work with plant suppliers to stop using neonicotinoids on the garden plants sold through its stores.
The second commitment is particularly significant. Removing pesticides from store shelves is one thing, but addressing their use during plant production also requires cooperation with growers and suppliers.
Bunnings' decision followed growing concern in the United Kingdom about declining bee and pollinator populations. In January 2018, the UK Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, announced plans for tougher restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides, recognising that the environmental risks to bees and other pollinators were greater than previously understood.
These developments reflect a growing recognition that protecting pollinators requires action across the supply chain, from the chemicals used to grow plants to the choices consumers make in their gardens.
A positive step for Australian pollinators
ACT for Bees welcomed Bunnings' announcement and wrote to the company to congratulate it on taking this important step.
By removing neonicotinoid-based garden products from sale, Bunnings had the opportunity to reduce the use of these pesticides among backyard gardeners across Australia. Its commitment to working with plant suppliers to stop neonicotinoid treatment by the end of 2020 was another encouraging development.
We hope this decision will help set a standard for other Australian retailers and encourage wider changes in the way garden chemicals are sold and used.
It is also a reminder that businesses can play an important role in protecting biodiversity by responding to scientific evidence and making environmentally responsible choices.
What can gardeners do?
While we welcome Bunnings' commitment, there are steps we can all take to make our gardens safer for bees and other pollinators.
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Avoid unnecessary pesticides. Explore natural and non-chemical approaches to managing garden pests.
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Choose plants carefully. Ask nurseries and retailers about pesticide treatments used during plant production.
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Plant for pollinators. Provide a diverse range of flowering plants that offer nectar and pollen throughout the year.
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Support biodiversity. Create gardens that provide food and habitat for native bees and other beneficial insects.
Remember that natural or organic pesticides are not automatically harmless to bees. Always consider the potential effects on pollinators and avoid spraying plants while bees and other insects are visiting flowers.
Looking ahead
We congratulate Bunnings on its decision to phase out neonicotinoid-based garden care products and its commitment to stop using these pesticides on the plants it sells.
We hope this is the first of many steps towards improving the health of Australia's bees and other pollinators, and that other retailers will follow suit.
Together, businesses, gardeners and communities can help create healthier gardens, support biodiversity and give our pollinators a better chance to thrive.
