Health Hotline Magazine | September 2025

The Time to Act Is NOW Biodiversity is the web of life. From the fungi and microbes that keep soil healthy and viable to the birds, bats, bees, and other insects that pollinate a third of the food we eat, to the forests that absorb carbon dioxide and the wetlands and grasslands that absorb rain, preventing flooding, to the coral reefs that protect coastlines from storms, humanity is wholly intertwined with biodiversity. But biodiversity is slipping at alarming rates—according to one expert, “…we are witnessing an unprecedented erosion of genetic diversity. This loss is more than just a scientific or environmental concern; it’s a direct threat to global food security, and by extension, human survival.” Since 1970, a 69 percent decline in biodiversity has been observed and headlines like, “Half the tree of life: ecologists’ horror as nature reserves are emptied of insects,” and “Study finds human-driven mass extinction is eliminating entire branches of the tree of life” are becoming all too common. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but each of us has the power to act. Support organic and regenerative farms and ranches that are working tirelessly to protect and cultivate biodiversity, advocate for biodiversity in your own community, and actively work on making your own outdoor space a sanctuary for life (see the sidebar for ideas on how to do this!). I’ll leave you with this quote from Chief Seattle of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes: “Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” We are all in this together.

DIY Biodiversity On a recent morning, I sat on my porch and within minutes recorded the songs of nine di erent bird species (I love the Merlin Bird ID app). I like to think that in the 10 years of living in my house, I’ve created a safe habitat for birds and beyond. The beauty of it is that you can too! There are so many di erent ways to cultivate biodiversity in your own outdoor space, whether it’s a balcony or many acres of land. • Plant native plants and wildflowers, and remove invasive species • Plant an organic garden • Avoid using all pesticides • Put up bird feeders and nesting boxes (bat boxes are great too!) • Add a bird bath and other water features to provide water for insects and wildlife • Leave an area of lawn unmowed and designate areas to grow wild • Create habitats for a variety of species by leaving piles of leaves and brush These small e orts in our own spaces create vital wildlife sanctuaries and really do make a di erence. Take, for example, the eastern bluebird, which was saved from extinction in the mid-19th century when individuals and organizations across the country embraced a movement to set up bluebird nesting boxes—populations have been rebounding since. Let’s be the change makers!

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For references, please visit naturalgrocers.com/issue-98