the bees are dying

To some people the fact that our bees are dying in large numbers is completely new. To others it is a constant reminder that we are not taking action fast enough.

The main reasons for the global bees-decline are industrial agriculture, parasites/pathogens and climate change. The loss of biodiversity, destruction of habitat and lack of forage due to monocultures and pesticides are particular threats for honeybees and wild pollinators.

Though the claim that humans would die without the bees are not quite true, our diet would become very bleak and uninteresting without the little pollinators. Much of our produce, like almonds, peaches, plums, oranges, apples and cherries, rely on bee-assisted pollination. Even avocados, cucumbers and onions too. In fact, we would definitely lose many of the foods that make our diets vibrant, healthy, and nutritious.

Attempts have been made with tiny robot insects but has so far proven very expensive. Also MIT graduates calculated that the cost of hand-pollinating a hectare [about two acres] of apples would be approximately $5,715-$7,135. This compared to a recommendation of one two-story colony per acre at a high rental price of $45 per colony and $90 a hectare carries a much heftier price tag. Without the bees many fruits and vegetables would be so expensive, only the very wealthy people would be able to buy them.

So how can you help break the depressing curve of bees dying?

1. Provide a honey bee-friendly yard or other outdoor spaces. (Plant bee friendly flowers and herbs. Don’t use insecticides. Have a calm corner, where you don’t disturb the bees. Provide water)

2.Eat bee-friendly.(Buy local honey and organic flour/bread, fruit and vegetables)

3. Avoid the use of insecticides on your garden. (Leave the dandalions and clover in your lawn. Maybe even provide them a habitat)

4. Don’t kill bees. (Let them out the window if they get caught in your home)

It goes without saying that humans play a major role in the devastation of our planet.

Let us do better.