The Plight of the Honey Bee and Colony Collapse Disorder

Overworked and Underpaid

I know you’re buzzzzzy but, the honey bees could use your help! As an apiarist, I have a soft spot in my heart for the plight of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Overworked, underpaid and often mis-understood, the honey bee could use a break. Over the past few years, honey bee colonies have been disappearing at an alarming rate from CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder). Thirty Five states (and many countries abroad) have reported losing over 30% of their honey bee colonies. To the casual observer, one might say “What’s the big deal”? Well, just try to imagine a life without the honey bee – it would be pretty bleak!

Those Busy Bees

The natural plant world expends a lot of energy attracting bees (and other insects) with brilliantly colored flowers and sweet nectar. U.S. agriculture depends on the honey bee to pollinate the plants’ so fruit and vegetables will set. The local native pollinating insects just can’t do the job all on their own. Without the honey bee, many of your favorite fruits and vegetables would be too expensive to produce. Not to mention the loss of honey and beeswax production. The loss of the honey bee is something that would ultimately affect everyone. In fact, the honey bee is so important to many local economies, it’s the State insect for 16 States – including New Jersey.

Honey Bee Ice Cream

Many companies are getting involved in helping the honey bee by incorporating education and awareness into their business operations. Haagen-Dazs ice cream in particular has taken the matter to heart and set up a Help Save the Honey Bee website. At the site, people can educate themselves about CCD, learn about research they support, what one can do on their own to help the bees and a whole bunch of other cool bee info. Check it out!

The Social Bee

Getting involved in enviro issues is not new to the corporate world, in fact it’s called CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Many companies are learning that giving back to their community and the environment not only helps the planet, but actually pays huge dividends. We all benefit from CSR and consumers are taking notice of the firms that participate in CSR.

Want to Learn More About Bees and Your Environment?

Thinking of adding a little CSR to your home or business? Well GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural one. We are experts at using simple science to create affordable solutions to just about any enviro issue. So give us a call or forward this piece along to one of your “busy bee” friends. We’ll appreciate it and so will the honey bees!

Psssst – Check out how these kids Do the Honey Bee dance. You won’t think about honey bees the same ever again!