PLEASE SCOOT RESPONSIBLY SAFETY TIPS FOR E-SCOOTER RIDERS
The health benefits of raw organic honey, which include soothing sore throats, lowering cholesterol, and treating skin wounds, have been embraced by many members of the holistic health community for decades. But with the rapid decline of the bee population in recent years, humans’ use of honey has become more controversial. According to the New York Bee Sanctuary, bees (not just honey-makers) are disappearing for several reasons, but one of the most unfortunate contributors is the honey industry. In order to mass-produce commercial honey products, many factories have resorted to industrialized beekeeping practices, which have been deemed unethical by animal activist groups because they strip hives of their honey storage, starving the bees through the winter months. This practice, along with soil contamination and a viral infection spread by mites, led to the devastating loss of 40% of all bee colonies last year. Because most bees are pollinators, they play a crucial role in helping plants reproduce. Without the bees playing their part in this natural process, approximately 30% of the world’s crops won’t flourish. Fortunately, you can help strengthen the bee population in a few ways from your own home. First, try to avoid purchasing any commercialized honey products of questionable quality and provenance. Instead, look for raw local honey at a farmer’s market. That way, you can meet the beekeeper to determine if their honey- rendering practices are sustainable. Then, by purchasing their product, you are helping fund their hive and enrich the local bee population. You can also plant a garden full of bee-friendly plants, like honeysuckle, strawberries, sunflowers, and cosmos, to give the bees in your community more pollen sources. Additionally, if you notice dandelions growing in your garden, leave them. They are a great food source for bees, especially in early spring before other plants have started blooming. While honey has many excellent health properties, bees are far more vital to the world’s sustainability. Do your part to help their population by researching, spreading awareness, and thinking before you shop for honey. AND GIVE HONEY A SECOND THOUGHT BE ALL YOU CAN BEE
For the past year or so, Atlanta has been one of the countless American cities caught up in the e-scooter trend. As Lime, Bird, Jump, and all sorts of other scooter brands have begun hitting the streets, our city has experienced some growing pains as it struggles to accommodate this new mode of transportation. And while some very real dangers exist with e-scooters, here are a few tips to help you scoot around town more safely. WATCH OUT FOR CARS The cars and their imperfect drivers likely do not see you. They are constantly distracted and in a hurry. This is Atlanta! Being on an e-scooter can be a lot of fun, but you need to watch out for cars and always assume they are not watching out for you. WEAR A HELMET The scooters don’t come with a helmet, and so far, no law says you have to wear one (if you’re 18 or older), but there is wisdom in treating your e-scooter like a bike or even a motorcycle. Head injuries are a very real risk with e-scooters, and wearing a helmet, even if you’re an adult, can help mitigate that risk. WATCH OUT FOR BIKES Cyclists commute to work, school, and home at all hours. Chances are if there are e-scooters, bicycles are nearby. Be aware of your surroundings and always look both ways before entering a roadway — a cyclist could be right behind you! ALWAYS RIDE SOLO If one of your friends doesn’t have the right app, it might be better to just walk or drive wherever you’re going. E-scooters are built to handle one passenger at a time, and putting more people on the scooter than the design intended drastically increases the risk of an accident. Don’t add danger to an already dangerous activity. Ride solo. More and more people are injured every year from e-scooter accidents with vehicles, pedestrians, and other e-scooters. The need for safer roads, less-distracted drivers, and a less-dangerous way to navigate our city has never been greater. Until those larger issues are addressed, we all must take a breath, look around, and travel responsibly.
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