Cheers to Conservation

Earlier this year, we launched a new partnership with Laithwaite’s Wine to offer National Wildlife Federation members the opportunity to join the 4 Seasons wine club and support our conservation efforts all in one.

You may be asking why.

In addition to the benefits for our conservation programs (Laithwaite’s will donate $10 per introductory offer purchased and $5 for every subsequent order of 12 bottles or more), each wine in our collection is sourced from vineyards that are free of neonicotinoids.

Why does this matter?

Photo by Yara Gomez Sugg, National Wildlife Photo Contest
Photo by Yara Gomez Sugg, National Wildlife Photo Contest

Neonicotinoids are systemic chemical insecticides, used on outdoor spaces big and small across our country. They are absorbed by the plant and cannot be washed off once introduced. Though they have a low toxicity for humans, studies show that in addition to targeting pest insects, they are negatively impacting pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Hundreds of thousands of wildlife gardeners have joined us in efforts to help our pollinators by providing food, water, cover, places for wildlife to raise young and using sustainable gardening practices in their own yards.

Our naturalist David Mizejewski explains why employing organic gardening practices, like those used by our community and the growers in our wine collection, are making a difference for wildlife:

“Eliminating the use of pesticides—whether at a vineyard or in your own garden—is the right thing to do if you’re trying to support wildlife populations. Pesticides kill wildlife and can pollute our soil and water. Organic gardening techniques that don’t rely on pesticides such as neonicotinoids will make your garden a haven for bees, butterflies, songbirds and other amazing wildlife.”

We raise a glass to delicious wines, and to you!

Cheers to wildlife!Support conservation with your purchase of neonicotinoid-free wines today!

Published: December 5, 2016