Say no to neonicotinoids

Photograph: Michael Kooren/Reuters

This post continues a series on simple things you can do to help the planet. 

In the past 20 years, neonicotinoids (pronounced nee-oh-NIK-uh-tin-oyds) have become the fastest growing class of pesticides. A series of high-profile scientific studies has linked neonicotinoids to huge losses in the number of queen bees produced and big rises in the numbers of "disappeared" bees – those that fail to return from foraging trips. Read my previous post to learn more about these and other pollinators at risk.

Neonicotinoids have been banned in Europe and the ban should be extended worldwide. Until then, we can all do our part by refusing to buy these products, helping others learn about them and ignoring the profits-before-public-health push back from Bayer and other manufacturers. 

Excellent information can be found at Friends of the Earth and at the Center for Food Safety. Click here for a list of products to avoid.