Succeeded in changing flowers
By vanny
@vandana7 (98826)
India
October 16, 2018 3:27am CST
A few weeks ago, I had refused to attend a function at my neighbor's place. They tend to overdecorate the house, using plenty of flowers and mango leaves, which are considered auspicious.
Today, I saw plastic flowers. I was so delighted. She seemed apologetic as if it was kind of no choice situation as flowers were not available for function at their home.
I told her, no, it is good! And went on to give my lecture about how bees have dwindled, and how the scenario would be 20 years down the lane (I would be gone by then), and also that leaves give oxygen (reminder of school lessons), which is so important in our polluted lives now, and finally the mosquitoes that are born out of putrid flowers that remain in the dustbins for long. I also added that it is usage of waste plastic!
I do not know whether it went in, and whether they will change more. I only know that she felt happy that I had not looked down upon her for using those flowers. SMH, and my reasoning may have held some appeal to other guests as well.
Whatever ...today I feel I saved many flowers, and many leaves, and some bees too.
Do you try to share your thoughts in real life?
6 people like this
5 responses
@arunima25 (85277)
• Bangalore, India
16 Oct 18
You did the right thing. I don't know how much of it will be considered in future. But you did your part well. We all have a social responsibility and we have to take it well.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (85277)
• Bangalore, India
16 Oct 18
@vandana7 I appreciate your efforts to make people aware. Yes there is no such mention in any scripture. And tradition do take time to reform for better and we all must do our bit for it.
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98826)
• India
16 Oct 18
@arunima25 A few flowers and leaves are fine. Not decorating ceilings and walls with flowers and leaves! That is ridiculous!
2 people like this
@arunima25 (85277)
• Bangalore, India
16 Oct 18
@vandana7 I totally agree with you. They spend a fortune in doing so.
2 people like this
@NormanDarlo (1071)
• Ireland
16 Oct 18
That's an interesting post, Vanny. It's always good to make people think about the consequences of their actions. I'm less clear on some of the specifics. The flowers that your neighbour formerly bought, would they not have been grown specifically for such a market? It seems that, if demand for such flowers lessens, there will be fewer flowers grown, and therefore bees' well-being would be threatened.
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98826)
• India
16 Oct 18
Usually flowers are picked at specific stage and that is before they reach full blooming stage. The flowers remain fresh for the following day. But they are woven and hung in places which would make it difficult for bees to get their meals.
I agree with you that once the demand goes down, fewer flowers would be grown. But instead of food was grown, there would be better utilization of those fields, and precious water resources, don't you think? And bees also pollinate many other varieties of fruits and grains. So they would get their meals alright.
Urban Beekeepers Login or Signup » like follow watch subscribe August 15, 2013 By: Christina Sarich, Natural Society. Many pesticides have been found to cause grave danger to our bees, and with the recent colony collapses in Oregon, it’s time to take a har
2 people like this
@NormanDarlo (1071)
• Ireland
16 Oct 18
@vandana7 Yes, you make a good point, Vanny. I have to agree 
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
18 Oct 18
Absolutely and it is so good that you did! We all need to do what we can. When the bees leave, they are taking us with them! I know you've heard that before.
1 person likes this
