There has been only moderate news coverage about the massive honeybee die off's that are being experienced in North America, and world wide. This is extraordinary that this isn't top headlines considering the repercussions.
Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, "If the bee's disappear from the face of the earth, men would have no more then 4 years left to live." There is some controversy as whether he actually said that or not, but it really doesn't matter, It's the lesson of how important bee's are to our survival that's important.
It is pretty well known what is causing deaths, however, the pesticide industry is fighting and lobbying our law makers to do nothing about it. The cause, a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids. These chemicals where rushed into the market in the 1990's with minimal studies, and no long term studies about the effects they have. The problem with these pesticides is that it wipes out the bees immune system leaving them unable to fight disease and infection. Beginning December 1st, 2013, the use of this pesticide will be banned throughout the European Union and studies will ensue, to see if the honeybees will be able to recover. Sadly however, the American government is refusing to recognize the cause. Their stance is they are unaware of the cause, and therefor doing nothing about it.
What will life without bees be like when the bees are gone?
1. Bee Keeping industry fails.
2. Farmers will not have enough bees to pollinate their fields.
3. Without pollination, the entire harvest will fail
4. Majority of fruits and vegetables will go away. No more apples, cherries, blueberries, avocado, broccoli, leafy greens, cucumbers, pumpkins, and so many more.
5. Almonds would be the first crop to disappear. Almonds not only make a nutritious snack, they are used in countless other products, those would also be lost.
6. Almond shells are ground up for cows food. Cows without proper nutrition cannot make milk.
7. Alfafa sprouts will be gone, another food staple of dairy cows.
8. With the lack of nutrition for the cattle, the price of beef and dairy will skyrocket.
9. The cosmetic industry suffers due to their use of honey in lotions, creams, shampoo's and soaps. This causes prices to go up.
10. Cotton is Americas leading cash crop and makes up 35% of the worlds fiber. No more blue jeans, cottons gone.
11. No more honey
This is just a few of the results that will happen if we allow to stand by and let the bees die. So what can we all do? Plant some flowers and a garden but don't spray it with any chemicals! Become a bee keeper and raise your own, look into it, its so much easier then you think. Buy local honey, understand honeybees are not out to get you, enjoy their company, they wont sting if you just leave them alone. Support organic farming practices by eating organic. This also greatly benefits you! Tell congress what you think, write a letter. The number one thing in my opinion though, tell everyone about this problem. Share this story, steal the story and say its your own, I don't care, just get the word out and SAVE THE BEES!!!!!
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