At face value, this website is about animal rights and animal welfare. I’ve often blogged about dogs–both my own and the benefits of having pets to the everyday person. But an animal welfare blog will, on occasion, touch on some other pertinent issues around us. So while animal welfare is the primary topic on this blog, animal welfare isn’t exclusive to animals. In many ways, animal welfare intersects with the welfare of the human race. Keeping a pet around the house is a fantastic way to relieve stress, teach responsibility and form a real, genuine connection to what will likely become one of your best friends. But some non-human creatures mean a little more to the world, whatever they may be.
Or should I say, whatever they may bee.
That’s right–you’ve heard it before and you’re going to hear it again right now. Bees are dying out, and there’s seemingly little we can do about it. Except, in actuality, there’s plenty we can do.
I won’t waste your time by discussing in depth the importance of bees to the welfare of not just humans (and animals!), but to the Earth itself. By now, you know that they’re important. But you might not know how people–you included–can and are helping.
Robo Bees Are Less Than Ideal
Not long ago, Japanese researchers developed robotic bees that can work to pollinate flowers. While this could be a potentially great breakthrough for the human race, it does little to help our buzzing friends. The robo-bees haven’t been tested outside of a lab, and are therefore still a ways away from being put to use outdoors. By the time they’ve been developed to the point that they’re usable, bee populations could be suffering more. The robotic bees aren’t a solution to the bee problem we’re facing, they’re a potential solution to our worldly problems.
A Concerted Effort
Some people are trying to make a real difference. The people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa are one group that falls into that category. Over the next few years, they plan to set aside 1,000 acres of land to allow bees to thrive. They’ll plant flowers and trees native to the area, avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides to reverse the plight of bees.
And it doesn’t have to stop there. Just because you don’t live in Cedar Rapids doesn’t mean you can’t follow their path: planting local wildflowers yourself, or even providing nesting areas can help them thrive. To add to that, buying more local, raw honey and collaborating on efforts to plant flowers and give bees more hospitable regions with your neighbors or communities can have a tangible impact on not just the bee population, but the world.
About The Author
Anatoly Vanetik is a Businessman and Oil and Gas Expert residing in Orange County, California. He brings over 30 years of professional experience working as an entrepreneur, and remains active as the President and Chairman for his company, Vanetik & Associates. Anatoly Vanetik is also passionate about art history and animal welfare, and has been an active supporter of animal organizations around California. He maintains an active monthly blog on animal welfare, providing helpful tips on giving back, as well as highlighting great animal organizations.