The problem: Pollinators like bees play a critical role in our environment and in our food system: they're responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat! Yet pollinators are in great peril. 40% of pollinator species face extinction, in large part due to the use of toxic pesticides. These pesticides, which are widely used in U.S. agriculture, kill pollinators, destroy soil biodiversity, pollute our water, and harm human health.
The solution: Grocery stores like Target have a HUGE amount of market power. Did you know that Target is one of the top 6 grocery stores in the U.S., controlling $105 billion in sales each year? Target should use its power responsibly and phase pollinator-toxic pesticides out of its supply chain! Other grocery retailers -- like Kroger, Giant Eagle, Walmart, and Whole Foods -- have already made timebound commitments to reduce pesticide use, but Target's lagging behind. We need Target to take action NOW to protect people and pollinators from these toxic chemicals!
What we're going to do: On Friday, June 7th, from 11am - 12pm, we're going to gather outside of Target's headquarters/flagship store and ask them to SAVE THE BEES! We'll have a 12-foot-long banner, people wearing bee costumes, a mobile billboard driving around the block, and bee-friendly chocolate to give away. Join us to have some fun, make your voice heard, and show Target we want them to step up and save the bees!
What to bring: Wear black and yellow or clothes featuring bees, butterflies, and other pollinators (if you have any). And bring a friend!
Questions? Reach out to Sarah Starman, sstarman@foe.org.
