Bayer’s imidacloprid is one of the most widely used insecticides and belongs to a group of pesticides known as neonics (or neonicitinoids), which target insects’ nervous systems. Following extensive research I present a risk/benefit analysis for imidacloprid. Neonics are often used by default, for example as seed coatings, and yet offer no benefit in many cases. The risks, on the other hand, are sobering and demand immediate action.
Earlier in March, USA Today reported that bestselling Seresto flea collars have been linked to 1700 pet deaths in the US – and that’s just going by the number reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the actual number is expected to be higher. The story originated from Johnathan Hettinger at the Midwest Center for … Continue reading Seresto flea collar & imidacloprid
I was going to cover a specific soy-based product for this fourth post on meat-alternatives. However, I think it’s best to cover soy in general as the topic requires a post to itself. So, as a proxy for soy, I’m going to cover the most common meat-substitute in the world: tofu! A note about terminology: … Continue reading Daily Footprint, #34 – Tofu
Here’s the third post looking at the evidence that neonics are harmful to bees. I'm a research scientist and have no agenda here, other than uncovering the truth. In parts one and two I’ve focused on the toxicity of the best-selling insecticide, imidacloprid, to honey bees. But nature is complex, particularly systems like a bee … Continue reading Daily Footprint, #17 – Honey: So what exactly is happening to the bees? (Part 3)
The subtle effects of neonics on bees is the topic of this third post looking at the connection between the use of neonics (neonicotinoids) in agriculture and bee health. I'm a research scientist and have no agenda here, other than uncovering the truth. In parts one and two I’ve focused on the toxicity of the … Continue reading The subtle effects of neonics on bees
The Green Stars Project 