Incomparable Honeybee: & the Economics of Pollination (Rmb Manifestos) by Dr Reese Halter

by Reese Halter

In this updated bestseller (with new science and data related to North America, the United Kingdom and Australia), Dr. Reese Halter continues with his passionate crusade to save the world's most important group of flower-visiting the honeybee. Responsible for pollinating over 110 different crop-types throughout the world and accounting for a quarter-trillion dollars worth of commerce, the incredible efforts of the honeybees are vital to humanity in terms of the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the medicines we use. And yet, all around the globe, billions of honeybees are dying from colony collapse disorder, the effects of global warming, introduced mites, bacteria, fungi, diseases and modern insecticides. Our civilization as we know it depends on the health and well-being of all 20,000 known species of bees, and each of us is required to lend a helping hand to ensure that the bees survive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Martha☀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this teeny little book, thinking it would be a quick read, but instead I found it was densely packed with information that needs to be carefully digested. Dr. Halter shares her love of all bees (not just honeybees, as the title implies) and makes an urgent plea for each of us to take up their cause.
Herein you will learn about the origins of bees, the vast global variety of bees, the social nature of a colony and how they communicate, the stunning array of commercial products made from bee products, the effect of climate change on bees and the effect of pesticide use (specifically neonicotinoids) on their well-being. The last 10 pages in particular are powerful, describing the effect of pesticides on bee RNA as well as the various moulds, fungi and pests which are plaguing bee health across the globe.
It is a book that is heavy with data - endless numbers and percentages, always translated in both metric and imperial - taking away the flow of the text. But perhaps those figures are needed to backup the real story behind the changes in bee numbers over the past 30 years.
As beekeepers of anywhere between 1 and 4 hives, my husband and I have witnessed the difficulty bees have in over-wintering, the missed timing of fruit tree flowering before bees have begun spring foraging and the endless varoa mite treatments that must take place for colony health.
Be aware of bees and bee products. Consume wisely - and I don't just mean honey but cosmetics, antiperspirant, thread, etc. which all use beeswax. Buy local honey and bee products and support your backyard bee hobbyist whenever possible.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This informative and fact filled little book left me with a profound respect for the bees who so generously and tirelessly dedicate their lives to being of service to the earth and its inhabitants.

I found Dr. Halter’s writing intriguing and thought provoking. I can only imagine the countless hours of research and time in the field necessary to gather the information which was then condensed in to an easy to grasp format for the reader.

I highly recommend this book. Bees are so important – in fact their survival is crucial to the survival of mankind. They have done so much for us. This is their time of need – what are we doing for them?

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Biology teacher who tries to stress the inter-relationships of all organisms, I have to find a way to incorporate parts of this in our studies. I understand the the primary goal was to discuss the importance of the honeybee economically and its importance to all ecosystems, but I do wish that more time had been spent on the research into the possible causes of the honeybee population collapse.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this!!! 95-page quick read on the awesomeness of bees, the sadness of their shrinking populations, and the terrible effects of modern/industrialized agriculture on almost everything.

[Christofer Reimar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick to read. All facts and content; no filler. Now I'm really craving honey. Let's all be kinder to the bees. They do lots of good work.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those little books you just pick up because and when youare done reading it you are amazed by how much you learned. I am glad I came across it.

[Shawn Kellogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so important. It is a must-read for every person that eats and buys clothes. Even if you are up to date on how mass agriculture and pesticides have affected the bee population it is filled with interesting facts and relatable information.

[Natalie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up at my local library. I was taking a break from dense fiction so it was a welcome break from that, but more importantly it was super informative and accessible. Definitely recommend as a quick but helpful resource on the state of honeybees.

[Christine H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting bits and pieces about an important topic, but not well organized.

[Lisa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating !!! Very informative.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never realized just how much the honeybee, and bees in general, contribute to this earth. From pollinating flowers, spreading seeds, helping many of the foods we eat (and some items we do not, such as cotton) grow. They play such a key role in our ecosystem and sustaining life, yet their numbers are decreasing as many colonies are dying - suffering from Colony Collapse Disorder - and some bee species have gone extinct! It's a terrifying reality to think about.

Bees are incredibly complex creatures and have a plethora of skills: research has shown they can count up to four, be trained to return to specific destinations, and would be a better & cost effective substitute for TSA/body scanners at the airport (who knew! and yes please!)

There are also health benefits from them such as their honey which is low glycemic (diabetic friendly) and research says that a teaspoon prior to bed can help provide restorative sleep. Also, various cultures all over the world use honey and beeswax to fight infections, illness, treat diseases and so forth. Bee venom can even enhance blood flow to damaged regions and block pain - fascinating!

Enlightening and informative, yet also depressing when faced with the facts about bee population decline. There are various ways to help presented at the end of the book some even as simple as buying organic. Here's hoping we don't let our little friends down, for both their survival and ours.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but inspiring story of the role these tiny creatures have in the world, and how much we depend on solitary and communal bees. It includes a strong environmental flavor, and encourages each of us to ask, "Is a world of pesticides and monoculture where I want to live and the one I hope to leave to my children and grandchildren."

[Ephemera Pie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book in one sitting at my library. I have developed a fascination with bees recently. I learned more facts about bees today, so I'm happy.

The book flowed nicely from chapter to chapter. No wasted "padding" to make the book longer. Easy read.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my full review visit
http://thegeoks.wordpress.com/2012/07...

[Azziba · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book! Very informative:-)

[Rabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick but interesting book on economics and world of bees