This simple action supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems—yet their populations are rapidly declining.
Why It Matters
Pollinators are essential to life on land. About 75% of flowering plants and 35% of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. But due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, pollinators are disappearing at an alarming rate. Even a small patch of flowers can become a refuge for them and help reverse the trend.
Creating a window box with native, pollinator-friendly plants is a small, accessible action that contributes to biodiversity conservation. Whether you’re in an apartment or a house, this one step can make your surroundings a bit more supportive of nature.
One Small Action You Can Take
Choose a mix of native flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen. Plants like echinacea, bee balm, calendula, and lavender are widely appreciated by pollinators. Avoid using any chemical fertilizers or pesticides—these can harm the very insects you’re trying to help.
If you’re short on outdoor space, a window box or balcony planter can still offer a welcoming spot. Place it in a sunny location and keep the plants well-watered. Trim spent flowers to encourage more blooming throughout the season.
Caution and Seasonal Considerations
If you or someone in your household has pollen allergies, opt for low-allergen plants like geraniums or calendula, which are still attractive to pollinators but less likely to trigger symptoms.
The best time to start this action is in spring or early summer, when pollinators are most active and many flowering plants are in their prime growing season. Select plants that bloom during the season to maximize the impact.
Take the Challenge
Plant a pollinator-friendly window box this season. It’s a small, meaningful action that fits into any lifestyle and contributes directly to SDG 15: Life on Land. By creating just a little green space, you’re giving pollinators a chance to thrive—right outside your window.