By Ashley Fink
Sustainability Studies student
If you’ve seen agricultural news lately, you’ve probably heard about the issue of the declining number of bees. If the significance of their extinction eludes you, let me highlight their role in the food system and thus, the sustainability of our species. According to the American Beekeeping Federation, a significant amount of the produce we eat is heavily dependent on bees for pollination. Some as much as 90% or more, including California’s almonds, which are completely reliant on bees. It is estimated that this pollination method contributes to over $14 billion in revenue for U.S. crops. Other methods include the wind, hand/human pollination, birds, and other insects.
So what is causing this decrease in bees? Studies are starting to link their demise to the use of pesticides. While bees are not the intended targets of pesticide use, there are other factors that compound the effects of choosing to do so. Factors include when they are applied, if they are applied properly, and how much of these are used on crops. With a food system so heavily reliant of pesticides, it’s no wonder that this is affecting insect species other than the intended ones. But what alternatives do we have?
There are many ways to reduce or stop the use of pesticides. As with any other prey, there are natural predators that are more than willing to help keep the insect population under control. A quick search on the internet will show just what preys on your pests and how to obtain them. Making sure that you have a garden environment that is friendly to those predators is also important. Innovations such as bat and swallow houses can bring the intended creatures closer to their food supply, so they can protect your food supply. Use the food chain to your benefit!
There are even new ordinances in place to allow for the safe handling of bees to help our flora flourish. Even though bees may seem pesky at times, they do serve a useful and beneficial purpose in our ecosystem. This just goes to prove, in all situations, coexist.
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