World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20, prompted me to revisit Bombus Plasticus and explore new research regarding the impacts of plastics on bees.

Researchers from the University of Reading identified microplastics as one of the top emerging threats to pollinators, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation. (Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Conservation of Global Pollinators, Arce et al., 2024),

In another study, researchers found synthetic materials such as PET plastic in most of the 315 honey bee colonies tested (Plastic Waste in the Hive: Microplastic Ingestion by Honey Bees, Decio et al., 2021).

A 2024 meta-analysis, Microplastic Pollution and Its Effects on Pollinators: A Meta-Analytical Review (Zhou et al., 2024), confirmed the presence of microplastics in bee guts and reported that these contaminants interfere with key pollination behaviors. According to Mental Floss, these plastic particles can impair bees’ cognitive functions—disrupting memory and navigation and making it harder for bees to find flowers or return to their hives.

Additionally, studies suggest that microplastics can cause organ damage and behavioral changes in bees, further threatening their ability to pollinate and survive.

While a study published in Science, “Climate Change Contributes to Widespread Declines Among Bumble Bees Across Continents” (Soroye et al., 2020), found that populations of bumblebees are disappearing at a rate “consistent with extinction,” the pieces of plastic used to create this beach-found bumblebee will persist in the environment indefinitely.

We can start by rethinking our plastic use and saying no to single-use plastics. Beyond our individual actions, we can speak up in support policies that will reduce plastic pollution and protect pollinators. Together, we can make a difference for the environment—and the bees!

(The bees below were made with plastic debris found on North County San Diego beaches. I created the first one, and the second one was made by a student during a bee-themed STEAM festival hosted by the Solana Beach School District in May 2024.)