November 16, 2022

Ways We Can Help Protect The Monarch Butterfly

Though the monarch has long been considered under threat, this marks the first time it has been officially declared at risk of extinction. As of July 2022, the migratory butterfly—the iconic subspecies common to North America—was declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The importance of the Monarch Butterfly to our ecosystem is astronomical. Travelling nearly 3,000 miles from the US and Canada to its winter destination in Mexico, their vital migration across the continent helps many plants thrive and pollinate.

Their fight is not over, and we ask for your help again.

Here are some simple ways we can help save the Monarch Butterfly population.

WAYS WE CAN HELP protect the monarch
AMERICA + CANADA

1. AVOID USING PESTICIDES

Spraying your plants with pesticides and other chemicals will kill them. Try to plant organically and make the pledge to remove problematic plants by hand.

2. PLANT MILKWEED

Milkweed is a food source and a place for the Monarch to plant its eggs. There are many different species of this plant, so make sure you choose the right one to plant. The sap of the milkweed plants also contain toxic chemicals, making the caterpillars and butterflies unappetizing to its predators.

3. CREATE A GARDEN

The adult monarch drinks nectar from flowers to survive. Plant nectar rich, native flowering plants in your garden to ensure that these butterflies have a healthy food source. As the monarchs have a long pilgrimage, this will assist them in their search for sustenance. Some plants that are rich with nectar include lantana, liatris, echinacea, sages, bee balm and yarrow. Of course, flowering milkweed is also a great option.

4. buy fsc-certified wood

Mexico forests are one of the places that monarch butterflies reside in the winter. Unfortunately, illegal logging is reducing the amount of trees that our tiny friends can live in. By making the effort to exclusively purchase FSC certified wood, it ensures that the demand for these illegally sourced logs are lowered.

worldwide

5. take climate change action

Climate change is real and has a domino effect on many different elements. The migration of the monarch butterfly is influenced by seasonal temperature fluctuations. Changes in the natural season's temperatures can disrupt their travel, and threaten their habitat and milkweed supply. Click here for 101 ways you can take small changes to combat climate change.

6. donate

There are many non-for-profit organisations dedicated to saving the Monarch Butterfly by planting milkweed and raising awareness. One reputable organisation is the Save Our Monarchs Foundation located in Minnesota. They have the option to donate as little as $2 to their cause - no effort is too small to have a positive impact.

7. START a CONVERSATION

Awareness is key. Start spreading the word with your family and friends. Wearing our Monarch Butterfly collection is a way to spark conversation.

WAYS WE CAN HELP protect the monarchAMERICA + CANADA