Bee aware for Earth Day

The mysterious disappearance of honey bees, called Colony Collapse Disorder, has the potential to put $15 billion worth of U.S. crops at risk, not to mention put a damper on all of our diets. In 2006, seemingly healthy bees were simply abandoning their hives, never to return. Scientists don't completely know why, but believe it may be due to pesticide exposure, inadequate food supply, invasive parasitic mites, among other factors.

Since Earth Day is next week, many of our fave companies are doing their part to help the bees. Venice-based Strange Invisible perfumes is donating 10% of every sale to the study of Colony Collapse Disorder. Their facebook page also is brimming with interesting facts about honey bees to remind us about how integral they are to our food supply.

Also, anthropologie has teamed up with Bono and Ali Hewson's company Edun to make super cute Bee Tees. Made in Peru from 100% organic cotton, shirts are made to draw attention to the current plight of honey bees and the organizations dedicated to saving them. You'll also notice that all anthropologie stores will display bee-themed window installations that reflect in direct and abstract ways upon bees' role in our world. The Bee Tees are only available in stores, so get yours now.

Plus on Earth Day (April 22!) there'll be an in-store book signing at the anthropologie at The Grove with JoAnn Cianciulli, author of L.A.'s Original Farmers Market Cookbook: Meet me at 3rd and Fairfax. A well-known food writer, Cianciulli's comprehensive cookbook celebrates the food, people and history of this LA landmark. I can't wait to get myself a copy and try out all the yummy recipes!



Strange Invisible Perfumes; 1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice; (310) 314-1508
anthropologie at The Grove, 6301 West 3rd St, Los Angeles. Signing will be from 6-8 pm.