Bee Aware

   

Everyone knows how important Bees are to the planet. They don’t merely pollinate our backyards and produce honey, but are considered to be a “keystone species.” This means that they are central to the eco-pyramid, and if removed, the entire pyramid will collapse. Bees are responsible for over 80% of plant pollination worldwide, and one single bee colony can pollinate 300 million flowers per day.

   Recently there have been many reports about bee colony decline and the ecological impact these absent bees are having. Harmful insecticides used in industrial agriculture, is the number one cause of bee “die-off” according to Greenpeace. Although parasites and climate change account for yearly bee decline, concentrated agricultural chemicals wipe out entire colonies with just one spray. While it’s important to support eco-friendly farming practices, individuals can also help support this important keystone species by eliminating harmful pesticides and insecticides in their own back yard. By using these types of chemicals, we aren’t just eliminating bee populations, but human populations as well.