Natural Grocers Celebrates Earth Day and Bugs

This year marks Natural Grocers’ fifth annual Ladybug Love campaign, which honors insects that play a crucial role in food supply stability, as well as regenerative farming practices that use ladybugs and other beneficial insects instead of harmful synthetic pesticides to control pests. Celebrating Earth Day and Ladybug Love all month long, the Lakewood, Colo.-based grocer is also fundraising to benefit its nonprofit partner Beyond Pesticides, whose organization’s mission is transitioning parks and public spaces to being free of synthetic pesticide usage.

Recent studies indicate that insect populations are down more than 75% over the past three decades, Natural Grocers said in an April 7 release. Natural Grocers said its goal is to raise $250,000 in April for the Organic Parks Project with Beyond Pesticides.

The multifaceted fundraising efforts of the Ladybug Love campaign include the Ladybug Love pledge. Natural Grocers will donate $1 to Beyond Pesticides for every Ladybug Love pledge signed, whether it’s a first-time signer or a renewed pledge through April 30. As of press time, 2,462 pledges have been made.

Natural Grocers customers can also donate $1, $5 or $10 at the register at any one of Natural Grocers' 161 store locations nationwide to fund the Ladybug Love Your Neighborhoods projects in communities where Natural Grocers operates. Natural Grocers will donate $2 to Beyond Pesticides for every Ladybug Zip Pouch reusable bag (retail $2.99) sold.

Discounts, flash sales for Npower members, sweepstakes and doorbusters are also on tap at Natural Grocers stores throughout April. Npower members who make or renew their pledge from April 1-15, will receive $5 off their purchase on Earth Day, April 22.