The Red, White, and Green

Ever since I saw last year’s 60 Minutes piece on the worldwide disappearance of bees, I’ve been fascinated by colony collapse disorder — partly because it is such a mystery that no one has conclusively solved, but mostly because of the dire effect this could have on the future of the world. Without bees to pollinate our crops, there are no crops (i.e., food).

It’s suspected that bees are succumbing to a whole host of modern assaults — pesticides, a slew of new pathogens and parasites — that their immune systems were never designed to handle. Which makes me wonder: Is what’s happening to the bees a microcosm of what’s happening to us?

Set your DVR for tonight at 8 pm (or stay in — I won’t tell), because The Last Beekeeper is premiering on Planet Green. The documentary follows three commercial beekeepers over the course of one year as they struggle to save their bees, their livelihoods, and agriculture as we know it.

Interestingly, urban beekeeping seems to be the hot new DIY green movement, though it’s illegal in many parts of the country (like New York City, which has been the topic of heated debate). Though rooftop hives can’t be used for the widespread pollination of crops, proponents say they could help minimize the decline of bee populations. Not to mention the sweetest part: the 44 pounds of honey that you could harvest each year!

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: Check out Los Angeles’ very own Backwards Beekeepers. (Or do a Google search: Just type “beekeeping” and the name of your city. I even found one in Cleveland.) If the idea of your very own swarm scares the bejesus out of you, stop by a farmers market this weekend and support your local apiarists by buying a couple jars of honey.

Related posts:
Small steps to sustainability
BK Farmyards makes it easy to grow your own fruits and veggies

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