Our food system is in major trouble: it is a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, promotes monoculture through corporate farm subsidies, and fills our bodies with chemicals and processed foods. Some of the aspects of our current food system are monoculture and pesticides; these affects have contributed to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and the inability of honeybees to survive well in the country-sides. In urban settings, greater biodiversity provides a succulent setting for beekeeping projects. Not to mention, local, naturally produced honey is a great asset to communities and food systems. In Chicago, particularly in my local community, there is great interest and support for urban beekeeping.

On many levels, learning about honeybees has changed my life and my course of action. On a most basic level, honeybees are incredibly important. They pollinate every third bite of food we eat; their survival is critical to our survival. On a more holistic level, honeybees are models of generosity and organization. Working with the little ladies has given me a great respect for their work, and has also given me an amazing opportunity to connect with my community. Urban beekeeping programs contribute positively to local food systems, address the need for primary pollinators, and provide a focal point as communities collectively learn about their environment. I have seen urban beekeeping connect people from all over my community in sharing information, skills, and time.

During a class at my university called Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP): Food Systems, I and two group members researched and wrote a 20-page business plan to set up an urban beekeeping rooftop project on campus. Over the course of a semester, we acquired an off-campus hive, made community connections, attended beekeeping workshops across Illinois, educated about 150 at a food systems forum, and created the groundwork for this project to be self-sustaining and student led. The project will also (hopefully) be financially viable within about three years through the sale of our honey to our local community. Additionally, this summer I'm working on an area restaurant's rooftop garden as a farmer and as a beekeeping of four hives. With the assistance of several experienced area beekeepers, I will be helping teach beekeeping workshops to area grade schools and to the community. Throughout the summer, my group members and I will be taking care of and learning from our off-campus hive in the hopes of moving it on campus by August and acquiring two more hives by next year.

Start by researching bees. Start a beekeeping project on your campus or your backyard. Support local honey producers. Appreciate watching bees gather pollen.