BEE SUSTAINABLE
The blue bee was chosen to represent our odysseys because of how it has been represented in folklore since ancient times. In Hindu myth, Vishnu is one of the pantheon of Gods who is known as the "preserver." In one of the myths, Vishnu emerges as a Blue Bee from a lotus flower, an ancient symbol of life. Sustainable travel is better able to preserve and regenerate the ecosystem for bees and other life on Earth as well.
Climate change, overtourism, and social inequity necessitate the need for travel to be sustainable. Blue Bee Odysseys is addressing these issues by focusing on slow, small group odysseys to off the beaten path destinations during off-season times. We walk, utilize non-fossil fuel trasnsportation as much as possible, eat locally sourced food without pesticides, relax in locally owned lodging where we can connect with the community.
How do you save the bees?
- * Eat healthy food without pesticides or herbicides. Support your local organic farmer.
- * Reduce your carbon emissions. Flying directly to the destination reduces emissions. Carbon offsetting is helpful. Choose a project or donate at: Green-e Climate, Gold Standard, Climate Action Reserve.
- * Pack reusable items: use your own non-plastic beverage bottle, utilize a collapseable food container for travel snacks.
- * Protect safe havens for bees such as state and national parks. Plant and protect trees. Plant bee-friendly gardens. Create a native plant area in your yard.
- * Support sustainable urban planning that includes wildflower meadows and trees.
Sustainability and Reciprocity
Many bees live in a colony where each bee has an individual role for the survival of the hive. Cooperation and reciprocity are modeled for us. Blue Bee Odysseys supports local small family businesses by choosing local restaurants, local guides, and regional cooking classes. We have practiced reciprocity with the website design and updates for the non-profit, Ixchel Jungle Spa in Quintana Roo, Mexico which empowers local women and their families.
The stingless melipona bee has existed for thousands of years in the Maya civilization. The melipona bee is one of many types of bees that are at risk of extinction. They were sacred to the Maya and used for medicinal purposes. The bees usually nest in hollowed out jungle logs. They provide a source of income for the local Maya. Support the preservation of the jungle where these bees live and small local busineses that protect them.