Not only is ESRT here to help you find your perfect office space in New York City, but we are here to provide sustainable and healthy solutions for our tenants and the environment in which we live and work.
In Summer 2024, ESRT finished the installations of honeybee hives to all buildings in its Manhattan portfolio – which includes the world-famous Empire State Building – as part of continued sustainability initiatives.
About ESRT's Honeybee Hives
The hives at ESRT’s properties each contain 50,000 bees at the height of pollination season and aid in the restoration of New York City’s bee population and provide pollination to the surrounding area. Bees pollinate local plants, gardens, parks, and urban farms, which helps support local food systems and biodiversity.
The hives in ESRT’s portfolio are installed on rooftops and previously unutilized building setbacks. Beekeepers visit monthly to tend to the hives and ensure the wellbeing of their docile inhabitants. Tenants can keep track of the beekeeper visits on their building’s dedicated page of the Alvéole website.
What is different about local honey?
“Local honey” refers to honey that is both produced and distributed in one area, while most commercial honey is usually a mix of different honeys from various regions and countries.
So, why choose local honey? Simply put, it is fresher and more sustainable. Local beekeepers typically use more natural methods of production and avoid harmful chemicals that are often used in large-scale commercial batches.
Also, since local honey is sourced nearby, it contains pollens specific to the area. These pollens may help boost your immune system and reduce allergic reactions.
Health Benefits of Local Honey
The benefits of local honey go beyond allergy avoidance. Here are some other ways that this golden goodness can potentially enhance your health and wellbeing:
- Natural energy boost
Ditch the sugary energy drink or coffee and add some local honey to a cup of tea or a fruit smoothie. It contains natural sugars that provide a sustained release of energy without the dreaded crash.
- Immune system support
Locally produced honey contains pollens that can help strengthen your immune system and build up your tolerance to allergens in the area.
- Soothes sore throats and coughs
If you come down with a cold or flu, the antimicrobial properties in a spoonful of local honey can soothe a cough or scratchy throat.
- Antioxidant powerhouse
Honey contains antioxidants that can help fight against free radicals in your body and potentially reduce the risk of chronic ailments and illnesses. Also, since local honey is produced without any processing or heat, its antioxidant levels are higher than that of commercial honey.
How to Incorporate Local Honey Into Your Lifestyle
Here are some easy ways to incorporate local honey into your daily routine:
- Start your day with a spoonful of raw honey mixed with warm water and lemon juice for an energy boost and detoxifying properties.
- Swap out sugar for honey in your coffee or tea.
- Add local honey as a natural sweetener in baking recipes.
- Use it as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or toast.
- Mix honey with your favorite nut butter for a delicious and healthy snack.
Learn more about Sustainability at ESRT!
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