What I love about going green is changing. Change is great, it is what is required to fight the climate emergency and reintroduce us to a planet caring society. Learning new things and finding out something you did not know and understanding how you can make a change to better the planet is incredibly exciting to me. On my journey to be a green and sustainable individual I have learnt about how banks can be evil (not much of a surprise in the big corporate world run by the few) and how this has a big impact on our world. Now, I always knew banks look after themselves but naively thought they would still have some ethics. Unfortunately, they do not! Now I am taking the environment seriously and helping to protect and save the planet I am trying to change every aspect I can to achieve that. In this blog post I will go into how banks work, how they can be bad for the environment, what are green banks and what I have done and you can do to make a difference.
How do banks work?
Surely, banks just hold our money for us, there is no harm in that! Well unfortunately no, banks make money from interest they earn by lending out money (our money), usually to companies and large ventures. They use the millions of people’s money in their banks and lend this out, so they can make some of their own. They are able to make such large returns because they get to put a significantly larger interest rate on the money they lend out compared to what they give us for storing our money with them. This gives them a huge return from our money.
Are Banks Green?
Again, unfortunately no, typically a bank will lend our money to practically anyone, Including fossil fuel conglomerates, plastic manufactures to a wide range of harmeful companies. They are typically not concerned about creating greater harm than good as long as they believe these companies can make a good return and pay them back with interest of course. I shouldn’t have to say how this will obviously lead to your money directly funding the killing of our planet and its inhabitance. This is why we need to ask the question when storing our money with a bank; who, what and where will they lend your money? You should also be careful of greenwashing where banks might make their products seem enviornmentally considerate when in fact they are not. You need to decide if you want your money to be used by the corrupt or not? If not, you might want to check your bank and perhaps move your money.
Are there Green Banks?
Yes, although I think they are harder to find and are not typically on our highstreets and I would also say there is a spectrum to how environmentally considerate they are but there is definitely some. I would say your first point of call is to avoid banks that do the most harm, a bit of research will show you what banks are still backing the worst companies, so in my opinion get your money out of them and close your bank account down. I have seen banks such as Barclays, HSBC and NatWest to name a few that are advised to avoid if you have any considerations for ethics and the environment. As for a green bank there are certainly some, which again require a bit of research to see if a bank is green. I have seen articles stating Triodos, co-operative, Monzo and Starling to name a few that have better consideration for ethics and environments, so perhaps start there.
What to Look for?
When looking into a bank you want to see what they invest in, where they put your money, and what their corporate responsibilities are like. You also want to look for banks that invest in eco-friendly and sustainable products, businesses and services but also have great corporate responsibilities (how they treat their employees and you). Ask questions like how do they take care of the environment, communities and their customers. Also, look at the products you want to use from them. Especially when looking at investing look for terms such as ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) or SRI (Socially Responsible Investments) that typically indicate a more ethical collection of companies. It might be hard to find a wonder bank that is perfect in every way but there are certainly some that are better than others in terms of the environment and ethics. Aim to bank with these if you want to care for our planet and communities.
What have I done?
Well the first thing I did when I found out about how my money was being used to invest in companies I did not agree with was to close down my bank account with the worst notoriety (for me it was Barclays). I then looked for a green banks that I could store my money in and use regularly and opened an account with them. It was a simple change and one that helps me on my journey to being a more eco-friendly, sustainable individual.
I believe we tend not to think about things we do not see in our daily lives. Yet we have a much bigger impact on the planet than we think. This is especially true for our money, from the items we purchase to the places we hold it. Therefore, we need to transition all aspects of our life to those that are sustainable and better for our future. Remember that even if a bank looks green or sustainable they might not be, despite the friendly adverts they have (don't fall for greenwashing!). Always do your research and pick one that can meets your needs but also your own ethics. Also, let me know; What do you think about green banking? Have you researched your current account and see what they do with your money? Are you going to make the switch?
There are many reasons why you want to help bees but if you don't know why should and how you can (other than the reason of them being amazing creatures) check out my article “Save the bees”. The effect bees have on the environment is tremendous and we should all take time to help them however we can. A very easy and great way to do this is by growing a selection of plants that the bees can collect nectar and pollen from. This can include a number of flowering, druit, nut and vegetable plants. Unfortunately, not all plants are suitable for bees. This is the case with most ‘grains’ that make up a large part of humans and animals diet. Yet to have a thriving wildlife and avaried diet we need bees in our life. To help the bees I am recommending you plant some of following top plants for bees. I will also detail how to grow them and take care of them, so here are my top five plants to grow for bees:
Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula
This should be one on the top of your list. You can’t walk past a lavender shrub without seeing at least half a dozen bees buzzing around it. This plant is renowned for its strong fragrant smell it omits but also for its rich purple look. One of the most common in the UK is the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is a very hardy plant and commonly grown throughout.
To grow lavender:
Planting
Usually, you can purchase lavender as a small bush but it can also be grown from seed. You should plant this preferable in the ground but it can also be in a large pot between April and May. Place it in full sun with free draining soil, ideally with chalky or alkaline soils. However, this is hardy plant and can do well in most soils.
Care
Once you have done the above and the plant is establish you don’t need to do much more. As this plant is very hardy you only need to water it in extreme drought or if potted.
Result
This often flowers in early May and then blooms again in June and often lasts to late summer or early autumn (fall). Great for the bees.
Dahlia
Botanical Name: Dahlia
This is a bulbed plant that is also incredibly beautiful, usually single but you can also get semi-double flowing variety. However, be warned that the double flowering variety is often bred without the pollen-producing part making it not very useful for bees. This plant is again hardy, low-maintenance and produce incredible geometric flower.
To grow Dahlias:
Planting
Dahlia is a bulbed plant often planted between May to June in full sun with well-draining, light, slightly acidic rich soil (lighter soil helps them survive through the winter). They preferably need a warmer climate, as they do struggle when it is colder but the bulbs can be dug up and stored over winter and replanted the following year. They ideally should be planted around 10 inches apart
Care
Dependant on the weather and climate this plant should be kept well- watered once it has established and is flowering. However, as always be careful not to overwater.
Result
They bloom from early to mid-summer to autumn.
Foxglove
Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea
One of the pinnacles of English cottage garden is the Foxgloves. They are one of my favourite due to their unique bell-shaped flower, which is ideal for the bees to climb into. They come in a variety of colours and if you haven’t seen these in flower they consist of a couple dozen flowers at once that is truly beautiful. If you can get a couple of these in your garden you surely won’t be disappointed when they flower.
To grow Foxgloves:
Planting
Plant in the spring or autumn in moist and warm soil. If flowering plant straight away in summer. Avoid planting small plants in the autumn, instead keep in a sheltered spot in a pot over winter. The planting requirements can also depend on the foxgloves you have, so make sure to do a check before you plant. They prefer light shade and well draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
Care
Like usual, frequently water newly planted foxgloves until they are well established then they should only require watering when in summer after long dry spells. If kept in a container water regularly as the compost dries out. As mentioned above keep plenty of organic matter and then mulch over the soil and if in a poor quality soil add a balanced granular fertiliser. Deadhead foxgloves as soon as they have finished flowering (unless you want them to produce seeds).
Results
Foxgloves produce stunning flowers from June to September.
Wisteria
Botanical Name: Wisteria sinensis
Another magnificent plant that stands out among the college gardens and British countryside cottages. It is another one of my favourite plants that takes multiple years to grow but can last for hundreds more. This beautiful plants grows a strong woody stem, growing thick and spreads out often over cottage walls and produced beautiful mauve and white flowers. Thought It can take several years until you begin to see it flower and it does not always flower every year but due to its stunning appearance I had to add it to my list.
To grow Wisteria:
Planting
Plant between October and April in fertile and well draining soil. Plant theme where they will receive lots of sunlight if you want them to produce more flowers. Also, give them a trellis or wall to climb on (bearing in mind they can climb to over 10m). If you are planting into a container make sure to give it at least a 45cm wide pot. Give the plant a good watering while the plant gets established.
Care
Keep well watered, especially in soils that quickly dry out, also when newly planted or in dry spells. To help your Wisteria you can feed it in the spring and depending on your soil add the relative supplements. To help flowering you can prune five to six inches in July/August and in February by two to three buds to help the plant flower.
Results
Wisterias typically flower between April and June with a potential second flowering in August.
Sweet Williams
Botanical Name: Dianthus Barbatus
A beautiful flower bed plant that comes in a wide range of beautiful colours. You can get them in red, white, pink, scarlet and in either patterned or monochrome. They are loved by most pollinators including bees, so make a great bedding flower. Another great plant tha suits cottage gardens and perennial beds but just at home in a container.
![The pretty perennial is also known as sweet william [Photo: A. Jakusoviene/ Shutterstock.com]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ad8fc3_438d214c7a594124a31291c1e05c58f1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_655,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/ad8fc3_438d214c7a594124a31291c1e05c58f1~mv2.jpg)
To grow Sweet Williams:
Planting
Sow in late spring (after the last frost) straight into the ground and keep the area weed-free (use a trowel as it is much better for the environment). If dry, water the soil before sowing but allow it to drain. Also, be aware that they don’t bloom in their first year. In the autumn transplant 30cm apart into their flowering position. They prefer to be in full sun but can tolerate light shade (but too much shade can make the plant become leggy and floppy). Keep them in well-draining, fertile, loamy and does best in neutral or slightly alkaline soils.
Care
As mentioned you will need to transplant the plant in autumn to 30cm apart into their flowing position and wait until the following year to flower. Keep the Sweet William well watered during dry spells and throughout the growing season. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to disease. You can also fertilise while they are growing to help produce a lush bloom. Deadhead any dead flowers but avoid pruning in the fall. Add mulch to protect and insulate the roots over winter and If in a pot, move away from areas of wind, snow and ice.
Results
They will flower between May to October in the colours you have picked.
This is just a small list of some of my favourite flowers but there are a tremendous amount to pick from that will attract bees into your garden and help the pollinators. To truly help the bees and pollinators in your garden look at local wildflowers and look at a range of plants that bloom for as much of the year, from early spring to late autumn to help the bees and pollinators as long as you can in the year. Even weeds can be a source of food for the pollinators, so if you can put off mowing and let them bloom is another great way to get more flowers in your garden. I want to see bees thrive and part of this is seeing them harvest and collect pollen and nectar, so tag #GoneSustainable and #BeesBums on any pictures you have taken of bees you have caught in your garden with their heads in the flowers. Get growing!
