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In 2006 I had a chat with a local beekeeper at Pike Place Market.
While I bought honey for a woman who was dying of cancer, the beekeeper explained that she was concerned about the hive collapses across the country. She hoped her bees would survive. That's when I learned that the bees have been mysteriously dying off. There were a number of guesses, but no one knew for sure what was wrong, so she didn't know how to prevent it.
I was really worried. Everyone knows that bees pollinate flowers and crops. Without bees, we have a problem with our food supply.
One culprit has been isolated: the pesticide clothianidin, which works by being extruded into the nectar of plants (which is what bees eat). Read on.
At best, clothiandin was allowed to be put into use in 2003, with a provisional status, based on a single debunked study done by the German pesticide maker itself. Scientists at the manufacturer themselves debunked their internal study. Independent studies have since shown it is not environmentally safe.
This pesticide should never have been permitted and it needs to pulled immediately.
Please sign the petition. The bee die-off is dangerous.
While I bought honey for a woman who was dying of cancer, the beekeeper explained that she was concerned about the hive collapses across the country. She hoped her bees would survive. That's when I learned that the bees have been mysteriously dying off. There were a number of guesses, but no one knew for sure what was wrong, so she didn't know how to prevent it.
I was really worried. Everyone knows that bees pollinate flowers and crops. Without bees, we have a problem with our food supply.
One culprit has been isolated: the pesticide clothianidin, which works by being extruded into the nectar of plants (which is what bees eat). Read on.
Dear Friend,
Since 2006, U.S. honey bee populations have been in precipitous decline, with some estimates suggesting losses as high as 30% per year. While that's terrible, the problem is far greater than just the loss of a species. Without bees, our food supply is in serious danger. Pollination by honey bees is key in cultivating the crops that produce a full one-third of our food.
A recently leaked memo suggests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ignored the science linking the pesticide clothianidin to the bee die-off.
Sign the petition to E.P.A. Administrator Lisa Jackson today demanding an immediate ban and full scientific review of this pesticide:
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/bees_pesticide/?r_by=16154-1661797-wKH51ux&rc=paste1
At best, clothiandin was allowed to be put into use in 2003, with a provisional status, based on a single debunked study done by the German pesticide maker itself. Scientists at the manufacturer themselves debunked their internal study. Independent studies have since shown it is not environmentally safe.
This pesticide should never have been permitted and it needs to pulled immediately.
Please sign the petition. The bee die-off is dangerous.