When it comes to humanity, women have proven to be extremely effective in mediation and peacekeeping for their ability to connect with communities, and to communicate effectively. We can learn from bees that women are essential in keeping the peace and helping to build stronger communities.

Worker bees know that they have specific roles to play, and are consistently working on a bigger picture: a harmonious and well-oiled hive. They communicate effectively and fulfill their work knowing that it’s not only them that will benefit from the work they do.

And they demonstrate that you don't have to tolerate people who take more than they give - Since male bees don't have a stinger or contribute to making honey by fall they are kicked out of the hive so they don't use up precious honey over the winter.

They prove that women make excellent leaders (which we already knew since the top three countries with the happiest populations are all led by women), that women can be anything they want to be, that the kind of unpaid labor of care work which primarily falls to women has value.

Everyone deserves to connect with nature, and for some, plastic makes that possible. If you're seed starting, choose durable, food-grade plastic that won't end up in a landfill, or repurpose containers. Let me know if you want more accessible seed starting tips like this.

And making your own trays or soil blocking can be tough if you have conditions like arthritis. Special tools that make these tasks easier can be expensive, which is a problem for people with disabilities who might already be struggling financially.

Two things can be true: plastic is bad and we also have no better alternatives in terms of not only addressing physical limitations but also cost. Heavy wooden trays can be really difficult to lift if you have limited strength or chronic pain.

When we fail to consider the needs and limitations of others, we create barriers to nature for people with disabilities, further marginalizing an already vulnerable group.