In my Master Gardener class, we had a very interesting lecture on bees last night, from the president of the Beekeepers Guild of Southeastern Virginia. One of the things she talked about was Colony Collapse Disorder, a problem that has been killing bees worldwide. I found this article from Harvard University about their research into this problem.
Use of common pesticide linked to bee colony collapse
She also said that right now, almond growers in California are unable to find enough bees to pollinate the almond trees. Apparently, they pay to have hives brought in when the trees begin to bloom. So expect higher prices for almonds and almond milk this year.
Almond growers pay record prices amid bee shortage
If only we could get government officials to outlaw the pesticide, as they did with DDT. But then, DDT was sold to other nations, when the companies making it could no longer sell it in the U.S.
It isn't stated that money is the root of all evil. It is stated that the love of money is the root of all evil. Evidence bears that out. Short term profit mentality is, and has been guiding too much of our world-wide civilization for too long. That's my humble opinion. And in our world philosophy where we compete against each other, instead of cooperating with each other, for everything, it won't change any time soon. And that too, is my humble opinion.
I have to battle against various un-named people to grow dandelions in my yard, plants that flower early, and provide food for bees, and other insects. I am just not a fan of manicured lawns. They waste too many resources. I like the world the way it was made, not how we try to make it. But I'm the odd man out on this one. I'm definitely in the minority. I'm a trouble maker. I want the world to work properly, as designed by whatever force you believe designed it.
I've been keeping up with the bee problem for several years. This new information is exciting, if it is used quickly enough. But I'm cynical. I hope my cynicism is unfounded.
I'm sorry about the rant from the prospect that it's pointed at the wrong people. We don't sell this subtance. And we have virtually no control about whether it will remain on the market. And I fear, that unless a law is made, whereby it is illegal to produce this stuff, it will be sold somewhere. I'm just tired of watching a few people ruing this planet thatyou, me, and my kids and grandkids live on.
Seeeeeeya; Chief Longwind of the North