Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a chronic decline in honey bee population that has been going on for a few years now.  As much as one third of all honey bee populations have died and no one really knows with certainty what is causing it.  Some experts say that the honey bee is our "canary in a coal mine", warning us in advance of potential environmental impacts to humans.

Unless you're a farmer or a bee keeper, you may not have much interest in what happens to honey bees.  However, if you like almonds, cranberries, avocados, pears, blueberries, cantaloupes, strawberries, watermelons, apples, honey, or wear anything made of cotton, you might want to read on. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has developed a CCD Action Plan, one third of the U. S. consumer's diet is possible because of insect pollination, 80% of which is directly attributable to honey bees.  The value of these food crops is in the $15 billion range.

Many people don't know it, but there is an entire industry centered around the industriousness of the honey bee.  There are commercial beekeepers that truck millions of honey bees across the country on a continual basis to large commercial farms to help with pollination.  Without this industry, many large and small farmers could not produce the volumes of crops necessary to meet consumer demand.

CBS Report On CCD

Watch CBS Videos Online

The cause of CCD is not known with 100% certainty.  There is concern that mites are possibly killing off the bees.  Others speculate that pesticides are causing the problem.  In the meantime, what can the average American do to contribute to resolution of this problem?

CBS Report On Rise In Bee Keeping

Watch CBS Videos Online

The following actions can help:

1. Restrict the use of pesticides on lawns and flowers.  If you must use them, apply them in the evening when bees are in their hives.  Dandelions, which are a menace to lawn connoisseurs, are a prime source of nectar for bees and poisons applied to control these plants could be negatively impacting the bee population.

2. Plant flowers in your yard that attract honey bees, providing them a food source. 

3. If you have acreage, consider planting meadows of bee friendly plants that can provide another food source.  Or, if you're looking for a new hobby, look into raising honey bees.  There are numerous sources out there on how to get started and you'll be helping nature directly by increasing the honey bee population.  You'll also receive a nice bonus in the form of honey that is produced from your bees.

4. Contact your local government officials and let them know you are concerned about the decline in bee populations and urge them to continue supporting programs aimed at determining the cause of CCD until a solution can be found.

After all, if we learn what is killing these industrious little creatures, we may also uncover some truths about what we're doing to ourselves.