GLOCESTER – A Glocester mom is creating quite a buzz by turning her passion for helping the planet into a business selling sustainable products. And now, her new book is helping parents educate kids about the importance of bees to the ecosystem.
Madalyn Openshaw launched EateryBee last year, selling eco-friendly beeswax wraps, a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic items commonly used for food storage. EateryBee products are 100 percent biodegradable and reusable, and keep food fresh while reducing plastic waste.
“I wanted to create a business that not only helped families reduce their plastic footprint but also encouraged resourcefulness in everyday life,” said Openshaw. “EateryBee combines my love for sustainability with my passion for creative, useful products.”
Openshaw sells the wraps direct to customers via her website, and is also a regular vendor at local fairs and events. Her beeswax products are handmade, and come in a variety of creative and colorful designs.
“My clientele includes families and individuals who are looking to live more sustainably, swap out single-use plastics, and be more mindful about the products they use daily,” she said.
With the motto “just simply bee natural,” the business, she said, is inspired by her commitment to creating a healthier planet for future generations. A native of South Kingstown, Openshaw noted that she does not currently raise bees herself, but promotes the livelihood of bees in her family’s home and lifestyle.
“Supporting pollinators is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I weave that into both my business and educational outreach,” she said.
That educational outreach took shape in July with the release of “Lila and the Quest to Save the Bees,” a children’s book geared for ages 7–11. Described as a “heartwarming eco-adventure,” the book gives real-life lessons on how to help bees and protect nature, and she notes it is perfect for classrooms to help inspire young changemakers.
“When Lila discovers a struggling honeybee in her grandmother’s garden, she never expects it will lead to a magical adventure,” notes a summary of the book on Amazon. “Shrinking down to bee-size, Lila meets Buzz and the hive, where she learns how important bees are for flowers, fruits, and the whole planet.”
Published in July, the 20 page book includes bee facts and a how-to-help section.
“I wrote my children’s book to share the importance of bees with young readers in a way that’s fun, approachable, and inspiring,” Openshaw said. “I believe it’s never too early to teach children how essential bees are to our ecosystem and how small actions at home can help protect them.”
“Lila and the Quest to Save the Bees” is now available on Amazon as a digital eBook for $7 or paperback for $10.
To learn more about EateryBee products, visit the website at https://eaterybee.bigcartel.com/ or follow the business on social media.
