Bee
Careful Honeybee- Killing Pesticides Banned in Europe
Colony collapse disorder, a mysteri- ous ailment that has been killing large numbers of honeybees for several years, is expanding, wiping out 40 to 50 percent of the hives needed to pollinate many of America’s fruits and vegetables. Some beekeepers and researchers cite growing evidence that a powerful class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, which hinder the bees’ brain learn- ing function and leave them unable to make the connection between floral scents and nectar, could be a key factor. Although manufacturers claim the pesticides pose no threat to bees, a recent British honeybee field study found enough evidence to convince 15 of 27 EU member governments and the Executive European Commission to support a two-year ban on three of the world’s most widely used agricultural pesticides in this category, starting this December. The action followed a Eu- ropean Food Safety Authority report in April that indicated these toxins pose an acute risk to honeybees.
Source: Voice of America
ecotip
Green Kitchen Home Composting Boosts Sustainability
A 2012 report from the National Resources Defense Council notes that just 3 percent of uneaten food in the United States is composted, and landfill scraps account for 23 percent of all methane gas emis- sions. Composting, the process of decomposing organic matter into a nutrient-rich material, is an easy way to turn food scraps, lawn clippings, gar- den trimmings and other waste into natural garden fertilizer. Its relatively loose composition allows nu- trients to pass into the soil quickly, and the practice reduces discards to landfills.
Compost material is not limited to what’s left on a plate after dining. Expand contents to include peels, cores and husks from fruits and vegetables gener- ated during meal preparation, egg and nut shells, tea leaves and coffee grounds, bread, crackers and pet food. Fruit and vegetable seeds won’t decompose in cold conditions, however. (Learn more about green gardening at
GreenLiving.National
Geographic.com.) Now, plates and cups made of sugarcane or corn, plus oil- and plant-based
packaging, can also be added to the list. Pending legislation in California would allow products meeting certain criteria to bear “compostable” or “biodegradable” claims on packaging.
Manufacturers of compost bins are responding to increased consumer inter-
est with convenient options. In addition to traditional plastic or metal contain- ers and wood-sided bins, new high-quality, enclosed, compost tumblers offer quicker processing time, protection from animals and less odor. Advanced mod- els include automatic, electric, indoor composters. (See more at
EarthEasy.com/ grow_compost.html.) Live composting in the form of vermiculture, or worm composting, teaches care for creatures and ecosystem sustainability. Food scraps feed worms, which then produce nutrient-rich castings (excreta). (Learn more at
GrowOrganic.com and
RedWormComposting.com.)
Green Drinks Meets 2nd Wednesdays 5:30-7:30pm
TWIN CITIES Info:
facebook.com/ TwinCitiesGreenDrinks.org
What is Green Drinks? Green Drinks is an informal, volunteer- managed social networking group built around a common interest in the natural environment. It occurs on the second Wednesday of every month starting around 5:30pm.
MEDIA SPONSOR natural awakenings July 2013 13
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