Setting Out to Help Save The Bees

Port Washington resident Cathleen Cuneo launched The Bee Cause in an effort to save the bees, which have been disappearing as a result of what's called Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD.

In an effort to shed light about CCD, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that since October 2006, some beekeepers claimed losses of 30-90 percent of their hives. That loss, the USDA said, is "highly unusual."

Nearly one mouthful in three in the diet "directly or indirectly benefits from honey bee pollination," the USDA reports. Bees also pollinate such food crops as almonds and other nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. 

Concerned about the environment and the global food supply, Cuneo created a line of "bee wear" to raise awareness and fund research.

Currently Cuneo's "Save The Bees" bracelets are available at Whole Foods, and on The Bee Cause website. The bracelets retail for $5.99, said Cuneo, who also owns Port Washington-based NicA Aromatherapy Essentials, Home of Healing Hunny Products.

"Portions of all proceeds from bands both retail and wholesale go to local organic growers and beekeepers," she said of The Bee Cause bracelets. "That will increase hives, queens etc."

A portion of the proceeds will also go to the American Beekeeping Federation whose "Friend of The Bee Fund," supports research, hives and beekeepers, and support pro-bee anti-pesticide bills and issues, Cuneo said.

Coming soon from The Bee Cause: organic shirts, embroidered caps, hats, messenger bags and jewelry – all with save-the-bees messages.