Save the Bees: A recent buzz in Chicago

There’s been a bushel of good content from the Sun-Times recently

The Chicago Sun-Times editorial page has taken a turn at informing its readers about the plight of bees. Kudos to them. It’s needed. 

Nearly one in four native bee species is imperiled, and honeybee colonies throughout the country are collapsing. Everything in nature is connected, and bee die-offs are a part of nature’s “unprecedented” decline.

That is why it’s important to have media outlets across the country inform and engage their followers. Here’s an excerpt from a June 1 Sun-Times editorial about what we need do to protect bees: 

One important step would be to reduce pesticide use, which harms or kills bees. Last year, the journal Science reported that the toxic impact of pesticides on bees and other pollinators had doubled in a decade. 

Here’s a short excerpt from a June 26 Sun-Times editorial

Many species are struggling. The once-common American bumblebee has declined by about 89% in the past 20 years. 

Plus, I know of at least one letter to the editor in response to one of the pieces.  

Please click the links above to read the full editorials. Or, if you want to skip ahead to the “how can I help” part, please take action below. 

Photo Credit: Dave Angelini, courtesy of Environment America

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Steve Blackledge

Senior Director, Conservation America Campaign, Environment America Research & Policy Center

Started on staff: 1991 B.A., Wartburg College Steve directs Environment America’s efforts to protect our public lands and waters and the species that depend on them. He led our successful campaign to win full and permanent funding for our nation’s best conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund. He previously oversaw U.S. PIRG’s public health campaigns. Steve lives in Sacramento, California, with his family, where he enjoys biking and exploring Northern California.

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