Good Morning? Thank a Bug.
We’ve all been there, deep in sleep and enjoying a good dream, only to be woken up by an annoying alarm ringing in your ear. Wake up, it’s time for work. At least you’ve got your morning coffee and toast to look forward to. You fill your cup and spread honey on your toast.
Better?
Thank a bug.
On average, one out of every three bites of your food comes from the hard work of insects, and your morning routine is entirely dependent on pollinators. Coffee plants are supported by wild pollinators, wheat thrives thanks to insects improving soil conditions, and honey is, of course, made by bees. Add some fruit or nuts to your breakfast, and you’ve just increased the number of insects that helped make your morning special.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s worth remembering that the abundance on our tables is made possible by countless small creatures. Taking a moment to appreciate the role of insects in our daily lives is a way to connect our personal routines with the larger ecosystems that sustain us.
In total, insects contribute about $557 billion of free labor each year to global agriculture. Yet, despite making up around 80% of all animal life, many insect species are in decline. Some estimates say a third are endangered. Climate change, habitat loss, and pollution are eroding the very systems that insects built.
Here in the U.S., one of the biggest culprits behind insect decline comes from medieval Europe: the lawn. Americans are hooked on grass. We water, mow, and fertilize acres of it that do little for the neighborhood, all while evicting the wildlife that belongs there. In pursuit of curb appeal, we’ve turned once-thriving habitats into sterile green carpets, all to impress the neighbors. These monocultures offer no food, shelter, or water for our six-legged friends and are often treated with pesticides that are toxic to small animals.
So how can we help? It starts in our own backyards. That question inspired my latest TEDx talk. In May 2025, I took the stage at TEDxStLouis to share the story of rewilding my own yard, a project rooted in a simple study I conducted during graduate school. By comparing lawn habitat to wildflower habitat, I discovered a striking difference in the abundance of macro-invertebrates. It became clear that insects depend on native plants and healthy ecosystems to survive.
I reduced the area of lawn around my home, replacing it with wildflowers, logs, rocks, and a more relaxed approach to mowing and raking. Since then, I’ve watched a remarkable transformation: wildlife has returned, especially insects. One of the most striking visitors is the luna moth, a species that depends on specific host trees and is a sign of a thriving ecosystem.
Everyone reading this has the power to make a real difference for insects. By planting native species suited to your soil, reducing lawn area, cutting back on pesticides and harmful fertilizers, and supporting natural cycles, you can save money, time, and energy, while creating a haven for the animals that make our daily lives possible.
Sounds simple, right? Enter the dreaded HOA. Many homeowners associations have strict rules about lawns and garden aesthetics, but there are ways to work with them. You can fence off sections of native plants with decorative borders, post a sign that says “Pardon the weeds, feeding the bees,” or plant low-growing native flowers that keep things looking neat. By blending beauty with ecology, and communicating your purpose, you can meet HOA rules while still supporting pollinators.
Small, simple changes can have big impacts. If enough of us move away from traditional lawns and cultivate flourishing habitats instead, we can reverse insect decline and help rebuild the natural systems that sustain us all. Every gardener has the power to be a conservationist, and it all starts in your backyard.
This November, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, taking a moment to acknowledge and thank the insects that make our daily lives easier is a small but meaningful way to connect gratitude with action. From breakfast to backyard ecosystems, these tiny creatures deserve our thanks—and our stewardship.
About This Piece
This November thought leadership article is part of the TEDxStLouis Speaker Spotlight Series, highlighting local speakers and their latest ideas and inspirations. Join us for our next live event on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Missouri History Museum, where thought leaders will share bold ideas that inspire action and challenge us to see the world differently. Stay connected by following TEDxStLouis on social media, joining our email list, and exploring ways to get involved at tedxsaintlouis.org.
About Justin Grubb
Justin Grubb is a wildlife filmmaker, photographer, writer, and naturalist with a passion for telling stories about the natural world. He co-founded Running Wild Media, a production company dedicated to inspiring conservation through film. With a degree in Biology focused on marine and aquatic science, Justin has spent years documenting endangered species and fragile ecosystems around the globe. In May 2025, he delivered his TEDxStLouis talk “Beyond the Lawn: Inviting Nature Home,” encouraging audiences to rethink lawns and embrace native plants to help pollinators and restore biodiversity.