Blog - Beyond Toxics

Jul 2024

The Plight of Bees and Their Role in Food Security

John Jordan-Cascade

Sweat Bee In Aster by Debi Murk

As we launch another summer of our ever-popular Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest, it offers an opportunity to spread the good word about the inherent, sacred beauty of humanity's constant insect companion, the bee. It's also a chance to reflect on its truly remarkable value to our survival as a species, fully engaged with agriculture as a way of life.

Bees have recently been declared the most important living beings on Earth by the Earthwatch Institute during a meeting at the Royal Geographical Society of London. This declaration highlights the crucial role bees play in maintaining our ecosystems and food security. Bees are responsible for pollinating around 70% of the world's crops, making them indispensable for food production.¹

Celebrate the Beauty of Bees and WIN!

Did you know that bees play a vital role in creating the foods we love? From crunchy autumn apples and delicious summer blueberries to fiber-filled almonds and sweet tomatoes, bees are our tiny, unsung heroes in food growing and harvesting. Without bees, our dinner tables would have far less variety.

AutumnSteam-MeasureOfABee_2013WinnerBeePhoto-CROP

Honeybee hive photo courtesy of Autumn Steam, first place winner of our first Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest.

Honey Bees vs. Native Bees

When we think of bees, we often picture honey bees. Honey bees are known for producing honey and living in large colonies. Recently, news reports have pointed to the beginning of a recovery of honey bee populations (more references below). This is great news, but it's important to remember that honey bees are not the only pollinators.

Native bees are also crucial for pollination. There are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America alone, and they come in many shapes and sizes. The Oregon Bee Atlas project estimates around 800 species of native bees live in Oregon.* Some native bees are even better at pollinating certain crops than honey bees. For example, bumblebees are excellent pollinators of tomatoes and blueberries. Native bees often work more efficiently because they have different ways of collecting pollen and are active in different weather conditions than honey bees.

MostFB-Likes_LindaCousino_SharingIsCaring-CROP

Photo by Linda Cousino, "Sharing Is Caring," winner of the Facebook Choice Award in the 2021 Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest

Current state of the crisis

As of 2024, the situation regarding bee populations in the U.S. shows some surprising developments. Honeybee populations, in particular, have seen significant growth. Over the past five years, the number of honeybee colonies has increased by more than one million, bringing the total to nearly 4 million. This increase is largely attributed to the economic value of honeybees, especially for crops like almonds, which rely heavily on honey bee pollination. This economic necessity has driven efforts to maintain and even expand honeybee populations despite ongoing challenges such as diseases and environmental stresses.²

However, the situation is not uniformly positive across all bee species. Far from it! Wild bees and other native bee species continue to face severe challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and diseases. Unlike honeybees, wild bees cannot be managed as easily, which makes their declines more difficult to counteract. The survival and health of these bee populations are crucial for biodiversity and the pollination of wild plants, but they receive less attention and fewer conservation resources compared to commercial honeybees.³

Overall, while managed honeybee populations are increasing due to their economic importance and active management, wild bee species in the U.S. are still experiencing significant declines, indicating a mixed overall picture for the health of bee populations in 2024.

The Decline of Native Bees

While honey bees are making a comeback this year, native bees are still in decline. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change.⁴

Threatened Species of Native Bees**

Several species of native bees are at serious risk of extinction. Here are a few examples:

American Bumblebee (Bombus pensylvanicus)
Once among the most common and widespread bumblebee species, the American bumblebee once thrived in open areas across the lower 48 states, except Washington. After the population started plunging in the 2000s, now this iconic species has disappeared from at least eight states and experienced severe decline across its remaining range.

Southern Plains Bumblebee (Bombus fraternus)
This bumblebee species is native to the perennial grasslands and open woodlands of America’s Great Plains, Midwest and southeastern coastal plains.

Mojave Poppy Bee (Perdita meconis)
The tiny Mojave poppy bee is only known to live in seven sites in and around Nevada’s Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This bee is a poppy specialist, gathering pollen from the imperiled Las Vegas bear-poppy and the endangered dwarf bear-poppy.

Rusty Patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis)
Once common in the Midwest and Eastern United States, this bumblebee has experienced a severe population decline. It is now listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and disease.

Franklin’s Bumblebee (Bombus franklini)
Found only in a small region of southern Oregon and northern California, Franklin’s bumblebee is one of the rarest bees in the world. Its decline is attributed to habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease.

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus suckleyi)
Suckley’s cuckoo bumblebees have a fascinating story. Females must fight or sneak into a colony of western bumblebees and kill or subdue the host colony’s queen. The cuckoo queen bee then lays her own eggs and gains control of the host colony’s worker bees, who continue collecting pollen and nectar to feed the cuckoo queen’s offspring.

Strawberries_Untitled-70_CROP-ADJ_1800px

Why the Decline of Bees is a Problem for Food Security

Food security means having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Bees play a critical role in ensuring food security by pollinating crops that make up a large part of our diet. When bee populations decline, it can lead to lower crop yields, which translates into less food available and higher prices for the food that is available.⁵

Bees are responsible for pollinating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Some of the most bee-dependent crops include apples, blueberries, cherries, almonds, and pumpkins. Without bees, these crops would produce significantly less fruit, and in some cases, might not produce fruit at all. This reduction in crop yield directly impacts the availability of these foods in the market.⁶

For example, if there are fewer bees to pollinate apple trees, there will be fewer apples. This can cause apple prices to go up, making it harder for people to afford this healthy fruit. This is especially challenging for underserved communities who already face barriers to accessing healthy food. These communities are often located in food deserts, areas where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. The increase in food prices due to the decline of bee populations exacerbates the existing food insecurity in these areas.

Moreover, the decline in native bee populations doesn't just affect the quantity and price of food, but also the nutritional quality. Many of the crops that rely on bee pollination are rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A decrease in the availability of these foods can lead to a less varied and less nutritious diet, further impacting the health and well-being of communities.

The economic impact of declining bee populations is also significant. Farmers who grow bee-dependent crops may face financial losses due to reduced yields, which can lead to higher production costs. These costs are often passed on to consumers, contributing to the overall increase in food prices. Additionally, farmers may need to invest in alternative pollination methods, such as hand pollination or the use of other pollinating insects, which can be labor-intensive and costly.

Addressing the decline of native bee populations is crucial for maintaining food security and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. This involves protecting bee habitats, reducing the use of pesticides that harm bees, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices that promote biodiversity. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that bees continue to play their vital role in our food system and support the health and well-being of all communities.

~ John Jordan-Cascade,
Web Manager and Photo Contest organizer

Write to me if you would like to contribute a bee-themed prize for the Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest.

Please visit our Facebook group so you can vote for your favorite photos as they are posted.
NOTE: Facebook votes will not be the primary determining factor in choosing winners, but we will provide special recognition for the photo that gets the most positive recognition on Facebook.

References

1) Bees Declared The Most Important Species On Earth by Luana Steffen

2) Honeybee populations are hitting record numbers. Weren’t they dying off before?
Kai Ryssdal, Sarah Leeson, and Sofia Terenzio (May 16, 2024)

3) Q&A: Are honey bees, wild bees still in trouble? by Diana Yates, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (June 30, 2023)

4) Pollinator Decline: Implications for Food Security & Environment
Opinion article by Professor Johanne Brunet of USDA-ARS at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

5) Breeze, T. D., Vaissière, B. E., Bommarco, R., Petanidou, T., Seraphides, N., Kozak, L., ... & Kleijn, D. (2014). Agricultural policies exacerbate honeybee pollination service supply-demand mismatches across Europe. PLOS One, 9(1), e82996.

6) Aizen, M. A., & Harder, L. D. (2009). The Global Stock of Domesticated Honey Bees Is Growing Slower Than Agricultural Demand for Pollination. NIH, originally published in Current Biology, 19(11), 915-918.

Resources

Endangered Pollinators and Wild Bee Conservation (Xerces Society)

Honey bees are not in peril. These bees are.
Want to save the bees? First, throw out most of what you know about them.
by Benji Jones (Jan 19, 2023)

Learn more about What You Can Do to Save Bees (PDF)

Read Krystal Abrams' blog, "Buzzing with Excitement: Bee Surveys Reveal a Hidden World of Native Bee Riches!"

--------------------------------------

* Entomologists estimate that there are around 800 species of native bees in Oregon. The Oregon Bee Atlas project, supported by Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, has been instrumental in cataloging and studying these species. This effort has significantly increased our understanding of Oregon's bee biodiversity. The project has documented over 650 native bee species, with ongoing efforts likely to reveal even more as citizen scientists and researchers continue their surveys across the state

** Native Bees page on Center for Biological Diversity website

A bulldozer and garbage truck on a landfill waste site

Mar 2024

What’s Trash Got To Do With It? Toxics!

Mason Leavitt

Over the first weekend of March, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, most commonly referred to as PIELC. Every year, lawyers, policy experts, and activists come from all over the United States and the world to exchange views, strategies, and projects regarding some of the most salient environmental issues currently facing society. My objective was to increase visibility around Beyond Toxics’ burgeoning work on the topic of climate and toxic impacts from landfills. To accomplish this, I reached out to our partners, the Valley Neighbors for Environmental Quality and Safety, to organize a panel.

Joel Geier, an hydrogeologist who works internationally, and Mark Yeager, a water quality policy expert, agreed to help. Together we presented "Landfills: the good, bad, ugly, and the alternatives" to a packed audience. Our panel covered the climate impacts of methane produced by landfills, long term liabilities to host communities, and the effects of leachate on ground and surface water. Leachate is the toxic stew produced by water percolating through garbage and picking up chemicals, heavy metals, microplastics and other "forever" chemicals from waste. Leachate is collected by pipes underneath the landfill and trucked to local wastewater treatment facilities. These facilities are not capable of treating or removing many of the toxins in leachate.

During the questions portion of the panel, we heard from audience members from all over the United States who face issues similar to Beyond Toxics. We discussed struggles, strategies, and solutions with experts from Missouri, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Oregon. For me, it was both instantly gratifying and disheartening to hear so many other advocates dealing with the same issues across states. On one hand, feeling solidarity is empowering, while on the other, it’s tough to face the pervasiveness of problems resulting from landfills.

The second goal I had in attending PIELC was to learn more about toxic issues that intersect with landfills. For example, I learned that landfills are one of the largest single sources of PFAS chemicals in the environment. PFAS is a group of chemicals used to enhance waterproofing and non-stick properties in consumer products. They are nearly indestructible, earning the name “forever chemicals,” and many of them cause cancer. Testing done by local governments in Oregon show clear evidence of high concentrations of PFAS chemicals in landfill leachate. We also know PFAS chemicals end up in the Willamette river, risking the safety of recreationists, fishermen, and communities relying on the river for drinking water. Phasing out PFAS would eventually cause landfill leachate to reduce its PFAS concentration, and cause less to go in the Willamette and other rivers.

Map of Leachate Movement in the Willamette Valley

I felt delighted to see other environmental advocates present legislative goals to phase out PFAS from cosmetics, carpets, contact lenses, and more. This proposed phase-out is commonly referred to as an “upstream solution,” when a problem is solved or mitigated at the source. Putting an end to the production of PFAS means preventing all the problems it causes later in our streams, food, and bodies.

The same process could be said for plastics. Reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastics, such as cups, to-go containers, and excessive packaging, would result in several benefits to society. One, plastics contain many toxic additives used to enhance flexibility, waterproofing, toughness, and heat resistance. These additives escape products made from plastic during use and enter food, skin, and leave residues of chemicals in the environment. Reducing the excessive use of oftentimes unnecessary single-use plastic prevents exposure to additives. In a similar manner, this would reduce the amount of plastic we burnin incinerators or dump into landfills at the end of its life cycle, both of which have dangerous implications for health and the environment. Lastly, it would dramatically reduce plastic waste in oceans, beaches, wildlife, rivers, and more.

PIELC attendees repeatedly affirmed how important each step of toxics management is–both upstream and downstream–in order to create a cleaner and safer future for everyone. While our presentation on landfills highlighted all the problems created by the disposal of consumer and industrial waste, many other panels focused on all the problems that could be solved by phasing out or reducing certain substances from production. Beyond Toxics will continue to advocate for safer management of solid waste in landfills, and we will keep supporting our allies across the state as they fight for upstream solutions.

By Mason Leavitt,
GIS and Spatial Data Coordinator

Jan 2024

The Power of Grassroots Action: Oregon's Triumph Over Chlorpyrifos

Lisa Arkin

This development highlights the power of grassroots action. Oregon’s new law on chlorpyrifos is stronger and more protective than the US EPA.

Arjorie_Train_HEROIC_IMG_9602-CROP_1400px

Nov 2023

A Breath Of Fresh Air: Eugene's Bold Step Towards Pollution Control

Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault

Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault, West Eugene Community Organizer for Beyond Toxics.

On Monday, October 23rd, the Eugene City Council voted unanimously to adopt the concept of Public Health Protection Zoning, what we have been calling a Public Health Overlay Zone! The City Manager will next draft an ordinance to include public health requirements in Eugene’s zoning laws. This represents a historic win for environmental justice, as we will be the first city in Oregon to adopt this innovative concept!

I moved to west Eugene as a teenager in the ‘90s and later raised three children there.
While raising my children in west Eugene, we spent plenty of time in parks or swimming in the neighborhood pool. Our family lived in the Bethel School District where we embraced playing outdoors, engaged in team sports and enjoyed time in public spaces with friends and family. I tried to take my children to the park every day, rain or shine.

We felt safe and at home in west Eugene. Plus it was affordable in those days! Historically, housing tended to be less expensive in this community, which was crucial to our family, as it is to other low income, working class families. We felt a sense of security and belonging in the neighborhood; we never suspected the dangers that surrounded us or the threats of industrial pollution that would impact my family forever.

Zion and Arjorie

In the heart of Bethel, over 30 industrial facilities loom over the landscape, including wood preservation companies spewing dangerous air toxins regularly. Combined with the ceaseless traffic on 3 busy highways, our community is constantly inundated with diesel emissions on top of the industrial air pollutants. For years we breathed in air laden with dangerous industrial pollutants.

Polluting factories are a common sight near residential areas of West Eugene.

We were surrounded by industrial sources of pollution, but I had always thought, ‘they’re just doing business, right?’ Living so close to industry, it never bothered us that our homes were located near smokestacks that emitted clouds of "smoke." What they were releasing was not necessarily our concern. At the time I told myself things like “Surely, we wouldn't be subjected to anything that could hurt us”. And "Certainly, the city is aware of what can happen when factories are allowed to operate near homes, schools, parks and other community spaces." We had no clue that behind those innocent-looking smoke-stacks lay something more sinister than we ever dared to imagine.

While it was a blow to learn just how naive it was to believe that our city had strong public health regulations in place, my faith in society’s ability to protect public health from harm was completely shattered the day my family heard the doctor’s diagnosis: ‘Zion has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma’. I have shared my story of being a mother of a childhood cancer survivor before, but the impact of her battle and survival from illness changed my life. And, I believe, her difficult journey left a lasting impression on the power of community advocacy. With our victory from the Eugene City Council’s October vote*, my faith in the power of community action has been renewed and my hope for a better future restored! The struggles of folks in this neighborhood, who have been made vulnerable and burdened with sickness and in some cases death of loved ones, have finally been recognized as a cause for concern by the powers that be!

This new zoning ordinance will, potentially, take effect citywide in order to help protect the community from the dangers of industrial pollution in our neighborhoods. One of the ways this concept will improve the safety of our neighborhoods will be to create a quarter-mile buffer between industrial facilities and residential, park, and school zones. This is a brand new concept and it will take time to work out the details, but it represents an extraordinary moment in west Eugene’s history. This is a big victory for the environmental justice movement!

Thank you to all who have supported making history by your compelling testimonies and hard work to bring this into fruition. Congratulations, Eugene!

~ Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault, West Eugene Community Organizer

For more about Arjorie's journey, see the interactive presentation, "Beautician Turned Environmentalist" on ArcGIS's StoryMap

* Eugene council takes step to create rules they say will protect the city from polluters by Alan Torres, Eugene Register-Guard (PDF)

Oct 2023

Pump to Progress: Ending the Legacy of Gas Station Contamination

Nathan Wilson

Underground petroleum contamination is a widespread problem that drains public resources and has been routinely mismanaged to the detriment of public safety and environmental integrity. The first of many steps that should be taken to address this problem is banning the construction of new gas stations.

Jul 2023

From Culinary Luxury to Silent Threat: The Dark Side of Gas Appliances

Mason Leavitt

A young Mason enjoys a moment with his mother who taught him how to cook.

I grew up in a family devoted to the pleasure of cooking, serving, and enjoying food together! Every time my family gathers, each of us comes prepared to cook the best appetizers, main courses, and desserts we’ve tried since our last meeting. So, when I moved into my current house, I was ecstatic to find my kitchen was equipped with gas appliances. Like many people, I had been led to believe that cooking with a gas range was the epitome of luxury and the ultimate culinary tool. It never occurred to me that it's rather odd to believe that combusting fossil fuels in my kitchen enhanced my cooking experience. In retrospect, as an avid runner, I always dreaded breathing car or leaf blower exhaust. Why would I intentionally invite similar toxic emissions into the indoor air I breathe while spending time cooking in my kitchen?

Curiosity Leads to a Discovery
My whole view of gas stoves changed when I took home a Flow 2 air quality meter from the Beyond Toxics office. The Flow 2 (pictured right), is capable of measuring Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs). Sure, I had heard on the news that NO2 from gas stoves causes 12.7% of childhood asthma, but as an adult with healthy lungs, I didn't believe I had anything to worry about.

Flow 2 air quality meter made by Plume Labs

However, I was intrigued to collect and analyze my own data about my home’s air quality. Data gives me something concrete to look at and helps me understand what's happening around me. I eagerly unpackaged the Flow 2 meter, and followed the directions to set up the device. After two days of calibrating the device, I went to do my weekly meal prep: potato and roasted veggie breakfast burritos, a coconut milk curry with rice for lunch, and salmon with roasted brussel sprouts for dinner. Using 2-3 burners and a gas oven, I prepared my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the work week. I also watched in horror as the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in my kitchen skyrocketed to levels considered dangerous for humans to breathe, both healthy people and those with compromised lungs and hearts. I promptly opened all the windows and let in as much fresh air into the house as possible. I wondered, how is this amount of air pollution legally allowed inside people’s homes? Why did I think that gas stoves were okay for public health? I showed my roommates the data and their eyes widened in shock.

Soon, I developed a regular habit of checking the Flow 2 meter everytime my roommates or I cooked. Each time I saw NO2 levels reaching concentrations ranging from unhealthy to hazardous depending on the time spent cooking and the amount of burners used. Our gas powered oven seemed especially egregious as it consistently pushed the NO2 in our house higher than when we used the stove. NO2 is not just harmful to kids and people with asthma. Long-term exposures to high levels such as what I was measuring in my own kitchen, can cause chronic lung diseases according to the Center for Disease Control.

In January I worked with my colleagues, Meet Panchal and Alyssa Rueda, to carry out a gas stove emissions pilot project in 13 houses with gas appliances in Eugene and Springfield. We wanted to see if we could consistently visualize the air pollutants commonly emitted by gas appliances. In each house, we deployed the Flow 2 meter as well as a Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) video camera. The FLIR camera is a professional grade camera used by the gas industry that is capable of visualizing unburned hydrocarbons such as methane, the primary ingredient in natural gas, and some specific VOCs produced by gas stoves like benzene and toluene. You can view our full report here. We detail lots of research done on gas stove pollution, our methods, findings, and some recommendations on how to improve your air quality if you have gas appliances.

FLIR_Camera_Recordings_DSC_0028-CROPcloser_900px

Pictured above: Mason Leavitt (foreground) records invisible toxic plumes from a gas stove using a FLIR camera; Alyssa Rueda opens oven door during filming.

FLIR_Camera_Recordings_DSC_0048-CROP_800px

The Protocol
In each house we turned on a single stove top burner on at a simmer for 1-5 minutes. In houses with an oven, we preheated it to 350 degrees and then turned the oven off. This was a pilot project, so the amount and duration of gas fell short of the typical amount of pollution emitted when actually cooking a meal, which can involve multiple stove burners or heating an oven to higher temperatures. Nonetheless, the results were concerning. The camera’s footage stunned participants and staff alike.

Curiosity Leads to a Discovery
The Flow 2 measured a rising concentration of NO2, hydrocarbons and VOCs, even after turning on gas stoves and ovens. In 9 of 13 houses, an increase in NO2 was sufficient enough to result in an acute increase of asthma symptoms for kids (1). In 5 of 13 houses, the NO2 levels were considered chronically harmful for vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, people of color, or those with preexisting respiratory health conditions. In 3 of those houses, the NO2 reached levels the World Health Organization (WHO), a branch of the United Nations, concluded as harmful to every person regardless of their history with respiratory illness. One of those houses reached NO2 concentrations WHO says constitutes emergency conditions, and individuals should vacate the area, or minimize their breathing and physical activity as much as possible if they can’t leave.

The Bigger Picture
In our full report, we detail how gas ranges emit many more concerning pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Carrying out this case study on gas appliances and indoor air pollution has given our community the opportunity to understand the health risks of cooking with gas stoves, and the advantages of switching to electric appliances in our homes and businesses.

I encourage you to check out the report for more details, and also stay tuned to Beyond Toxics’ updates (sign up for our e-alerts) as we continue to collect data on gas stove pollution, and find tips on how to improve the safety of our kitchens and homes!

For now, I will take steps to ventilate my kitchen because, as a renter, I don’t have the choice to switch to electric appliances. In the future, I hope to live in a home that is equipped with electric kitchen appliances that I know are safe and healthy for everyone, including my family of passionate cooks.

Written by Mason Leavitt, GIS and Spatial Data Coordinator

Photos of FLIR camera testing sessions by Emily Matlock

Reference:

1) Belanger, K., et al."Household Levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and Pediatric Asthma Severity."
Epidemiology, vol. 24, no. 2, 2013, pp. 320-330.
https://doi.org/10.1097/EDE.0b013e318280e2ac

Jun 2023

Buzzing with Excitement: Bee Surveys Reveal a Hidden World of Native Bee Riches!

Krystal Abrams

A native bee on a Plectritis (sea blush) plant at Rasor Park. Photo by Emily Matlock.

Our 5th Annual Native Bee Survey was not only fun, it was also a scientific discovery that revealed the diverse and intricate world of native bees in two rare prairie remnants. This year’s bee surveys, conducted at Westmoreland Park and Rasor Park, emphasize the importance of understanding native bee habitat necessary to creating effective habitat conservation plans and restoration efforts.

I’m thrilled to say not only did we have an absolute blast exploring these beautiful prairie remnants, but we also discovered a treasure trove of native bees that left us in awe of nature's wonders.

Westmoreland Park: Where Prairie Magic Unfolds
Picture this: a sunny day, a fragrant breeze, and an enchanting native prairie remnant at Westmoreland Park. Armed with our keen eyes and curiosity, we embarked on a quest to uncover the hidden residents of this thriving ecosystem.

Bombus-vosnesenskii_Westmoreland-CROP_900px

A bee survey participant excitedly brings a Bombus vosnesenskii bee to the attention of bee survey organizers

As we walked through the East Prairie, a meadow bursting with native plant life, we couldn't help but notice the vibrant flowers embracing the landscape. Ranunculus and Camassia danced under the warm rays, their colors beacons of joy. Camas flowers, an important food plant for the Kalapuya original inhabitants of the Willamette Valley, gave the whole meadow a wash of blue-lavender hue. The temperature was a pleasant 72°F, and the partly cloudy sky only added to the allure of our adventure. But what truly stole the show were our incredible bee friends!

We encountered various species, each with its unique charm. Our friends included the familiar Apis mellifera (14 individuals), known as the honey bee, gracefully hovering from flower to flower. We also spotted Bombus vosnesenskii (2 individuals), their fuzzy bodies collecting precious nectar.

Intriguingly, a solitary Xylocopa sp. (Carpenter bee) caught our attention, diligently carving its nest in a nearby tree. And who could forget the magnificent Bombus grizziocolus, the brown-belted bumble (2 individuals) and Bombus californicus, classified as a vulnerable species (1 individual), showcasing their brilliant colors while buzzing around the captivating camas blooms?

Alongside our bee companions, we spotted a few other fascinating creatures. A group of adorable bee flies (7 in total) entertained us with their acrobatic maneuvers, while a delightful ladybug (1 lucky lady) added a sprinkle of luck to our adventure.

Why Bees Matter: Unraveling Native Bee Habitat and Health
Our journey through Westmoreland Park reminds us of the crucial role native bees play in our ecosystems. As habitat restoration and rehabilitation efforts gain momentum, understanding more about the habitat and health of native bees becomes paramount. By conducting surveys like these, we contribute to the ongoing efforts to conserve and protect these essential pollinators.

Rasor Park: Unveiling the Prismatic Symphony of Bees
Our journey continues to Rasor Park, a dry haven adorned with picturesque prairie remnants. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the diverse array of flowering species that embraced the landscape like a colorful quilt. Plectritus, Sidalcea, Ranunculus, Geum, Camassia, and California poppies were just a few of the floral stars performing in this enchanting botanical ballet. The temperature soared to a delightful 76°F, and the cloudless sky beckoned us to uncover the hidden gems residing within this captivating ecosystem.

Girl_w_BeeInJar_Westmoreland_DSC_0317_ADJ_1400px

Our bee surveys always bring out plenty of curious bee enthusiasts!

We marked the presence of 14 different bee species in one survey! We saw the ubiquitous Andrena prunorum, or the purple miner bee, a ground-nesting bee and the Halictus tripartitus, an iridescent sweat bee. We also found a prime specimen of ground-nest bees, the Halictus farinosus, which practices cooperative brood care and multi-generational living.

Join Us in Our Effort to Save Oregon's Bees!
But wait, there's more! We need your help to collect even more valuable data and raise awareness about pollinator health and habitat conservation. We're excited to invite you to the upcoming Bee Jazzy celebration, where we'll not only groove to some fantastic tunes but also support our mission to conduct more bee surveys, conduct more outdoor education camps for youth of color and spread the word about the importance of preserving bee habitats. Mark your calendars and let's make a beeline to Bee Jazzy!

Surveyors found a Andrena bee (a.k.a., a mining bee) in Rasor Park. Photo by Emily Matlock.

Bees: The Unsung Heroes
Buzzing with excitement and charm, native bees are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems! These little powerhouses of pollination play a vital role in keeping our environment healthy and teeming with biodiversity. They're like the VIPs of the floral world, rocking the task of pollinating native plant species! By doing so, they ensure that these plants can reproduce and maintain the balance of the whole ecosystem. Talk about teamwork! These bees are the ultimate locals, perfectly adapted to their surroundings and rocking a long history of coevolution with native plants. It's a love story that goes way back, and we're here to celebrate it! By diving into the fascinating world of native bee diversity, we unlock the secrets to stronger habitat protections and smarter strategies to reduce those pesky pesticides that can harm our buzzing buddies.

A family of bee surveyors at Westmoreland park enjoy time together. Photo by Emily Matlock.

Through research and discovery, we will unravel the habitat needs, population dynamics, and health status of these amazing creatures. Armed with this knowledge, we can swoop in with targeted conservation measures to protect our beloved pollinators from threats like habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change.

It's time to rally together and create a buzz-worthy future for our native bees and the ecosystems they call home!

MORE about the results of our two spring bee surveys

The May 10th survey conducted at Westmoreland Park in Eugene focused on the east prairie remnant. The area exhibited a wet habitat with no bare ground, abundant grasses, and constant exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day. Notably, the entire site consisted of native prairie remnant vegetation, with no introduced plantings.

During our survey, we documented the following bee species:

Bombus vosnesenskii (2 individuals)
Apis mellifera (14 individuals)
Xylocopa sp. (Carpenter bee) (1 individual)
Bombus grizziocolus (2 individuals), observed primarily on camas flowers
Bombus californicus (1 individual)
Halictus tripertitus (1 individual)
Osmia sp. (1 individual)
In addition to bees, we observed other notable species, including seven bee flies and a single ladybug.

On May 17th we conducted a survey at Rasor Park in Eugene. This site featured a dry habitat with approximately 5% bare ground and 50%-60% coverage of flowering plants. The area received ample direct sunlight throughout the day and consisted of a native prairie remnant with several introduced plantings of native species.

The bee species identified during the survey at Rasor Park were as follows:

Osmia sp. (5 individuals)
Hoplitis albifrons (1 individual, possibly Sonia)
Seratina sp. (3 individuals)
Seratina acantha (3 individuals, a small carpenter bee found on checkermallow, including 1 male and 2 females)
Apis mellifera (6 individuals)
Bombus californicus (2 individuals)
Halictus farinosus (3 individuals)
Halictus tripartitus (1 individual)
Protosmia rubifloris (1 individual)
Nomada sp. (red) (1 individual)
Andrena prunorum (1 individual)
Andrena sp. (2 individuals)
Bombus vosnesenskii (2 individuals)
Bombus melanopygus (1 individual)

The findings from these surveys contribute to our understanding of native bee populations in prairie remnants. The presence of various bee species, including both solitary and social bees, highlights the importance of maintaining diverse habitats to support their survival. By documenting the specific flowering species utilized by these bees, we gain insights into their foraging preferences and potential plant-pollinator relationships.

Written by Krystal Abrams,
Communications Manager and Bee Enthusiast Extraordinairre

Jun 2023

Creating Safe Spaces: The Fight for Environmental Justice in West Eugene

Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault

(R) Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault, West Eugene Community Organizer and her daughter, Zion (L). Photo courtesy of Collin Bell

Working as the West Eugene Community Organizer, I have heard heartbreaking stories. Residents express their fear of being the next victim of chronic illness in a polluted neighborhood, and I, too, live in constant fear of cancer. When my family moved to West Eugene, we trusted the laws to protect us, only to discover that the Bethel community has long suffered from environmental racism. Growing up in low-income black neighborhoods in Texas, I accepted the constant threat of chronic disease and related hardships as the norm.

Raising awareness in marginalized communities is crucial. Beyond Toxics bridges the gap between the city, state, and community, empowering leaders and advocating for the Public Health Overlay Zone Policy. This policy would, if implemented, create a buffer zone to protect public health by separating heavy industry from residential areas.

J.H. Baxter creosote factory quit operations in Jan. 2022. It operated for 80 years in the midst of a West Eugene residential neighborhood.

Currently, there are no safeguards in place to prevent pollution and protect communities. The urgent need for protection extends beyond West Eugene to the entire city, state, and even worldwide. Implementing preventative measures would have spared my child from cancer and prevented countless preventable illnesses.

Laurie_Savannah_Arjorie_JHBaxterBackgrnd_IMG-0053-CROP_Jan2022_900px

Arjorie (R) with friend Laurie and her daughter Savannah in front of the shuttered J.H. Baxter creosote factory. Photo by Lisa Arkin

Our homes should be sanctuaries, but environmental racism has disrupted that tranquility. Equity is lacking as families no longer feel safe in their own yards. Our parks and schools should be safe places for children to play and grow, free from concerns about cancer or asthma. No child should have to fear being the next victim of illness.

Creating change requires raising awareness, empowering communities, and implementing protective policies. We must ensure that industry is never allowed near homes, parks, schools, and other community spaces. Let’s work together to build a world where our children look forward to positive achievements and never cower in fear of devastating sickness. Let’s strive for a world where children no longer feel the need to ask, “Am I next?”

Written by Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault,
West Eugene Community Organizer for Beyond Toxics

Apr 2023

Clearing the Air: Uncovering the Risks of Gas Stove Pollution

Emily Matlock

Over the course of one work week, my colleagues on the Beyond Toxics Air Quality team and I visited 14 homes in Eugene and Springfield, toting a FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) camera and air quality monitoring equipment. We wanted to “see” what our naked eyes could not: what air toxics are being emitted from gas appliances.

Gas appliances emit two groups of pollutants of concern to us. One, appliances do not burn 100% of the natural gas going into them, and they release unburned methane, ethane, and butane, all of which contribute to global warming. Two, when natural gas is successfully burned, the previously mentioned pollutants turn into CO2, a major climate contributor, and PM 2.5, NO2, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants closely tied to childhood asthma and premature death in adults.

I was asked to tag along to take photos to document the process. I don’t often get to work “out in the field” with the team, so this was an exciting opportunity to work directly with the Air Quality team and learn firsthand the dangers of gas appliances.

Seeing is Believing
I was immediately taken aback by what the camera captured in the first house I visited. I didn’t know what to expect, but seeing plumes of gasses and VOCs spewing into the air was eye-opening. To be perfectly honest, I had never thought much about the use of gas in our home. As a kid, I remember when my family moved into a home with a gas stove, it felt like an upgrade. But now I’m wondering, why do we consider burning fossil fuels in our homes and polluting our indoor air to be an improvement over electricity?

The FLIR camera we rented for our 14-home testing tour.

The FLIR camera, often used by professionals to visualize gas leaks, reveals a plume of pollutants emerging from a preheated oven. | Photos by Emily Matlock

After visiting several homes and seeing the same toxic plumes at each, I was thankful for my electric appliances. Admittedly, I’m not much of a cook but it works just fine for my needs. By the end of the day, I had a headache, and I can only imagine it was caused by my exposure to gas and VOCs throughout the day. We simply turned on gas stoves and ovens for several minutes to capture the plumes on the FLIR camera. Imagine cooking every night for a family of four, using every burner and the oven, and inhaling the fumes for the hour or so it takes to prepare a meal.

The residents we spoke to all said similar things: I love cooking with my gas stove, but it’s not worth the risk to my health. Or, after seeing the fumes, I would switch to electric if I could.

And that’s just it, many of us don’t have the choice. My last rental home had gas appliances, but inadequate ventilation above the range. Many homeowners feel that they can’t afford to make the switch, or wouldn’t know where to start.

Choosing a Better Future
We need policy in place to ensure a climate-smart and healthy future. Eugene’s recent ordinance prohibits gas infrastructure in new, low-rise residential construction. It doesn’t take away the choice for buyers to purchase gas appliances or homes, but rather adds electrified homes that will ensure a healthier future for residents and the planet.

Our FLIR video footage reveals the presence of toxic gasses beyond the flame we can see.

The manufactured controversy of so-called “energy choice” is fraught with greenwashing from an industry that doesn’t want to lose its stronghold on a community dependent on fossil fuels. Gas industry profits are made at the expense of those of us who don’t have a choice but to pollute our homes and the environment. The gas industry touts it as “clean” and “natural,” when studies like ours with the FLIR camera clearly show high levels of pollutants and toxins entering the home.

If our study could be replicated on a larger scale, I think many Eugene residents and folks across the country would be surprised–maybe even horrified–to see plumes of unburned methane, VOCs and other toxics coming from their home appliances. Eugene’s gas ordinance is a first step, but Beyond Toxics will continue to educate and provide resources for moving toward a fossil-free future. It’s the only future that makes sense for future generations.

~ Emily Matlock,
Beyond Toxics Membership and Communications Coordinator

Read the NEW Beyond Toxics Report
Seeing is Believing: Visualizing Indoor Air Pollution from Gas Stoves (PDF)

Find out more about Building a Fossil Free Future, our climate justice campaign!

fabian-centeno-uY60pJUHqOo-unsplash_900px

Apr 2023

It’s National Public Health Week. Let’s tackle toxic chemicals!

Lisa Arkin

Every child deserves a safe environment to grow in that allows them to become strong and healthy and develop to their full potential. During National Public Health Week, it's important to draw attention to the health impacts and risks from toxic chemicals in products and the places where children live, learn and play. It is now estimated that 10 million synthetic chemicals are added to the marketplace every year. They range from the chemicals in plastic toys, pesticides on our lawns and school grounds, and harmful additives in our personal care products that go directly onto our skin and are absorbed into our organs.

These chemicals can cause immediate and long-term harm. Toxic chemicals are linked to neurological damage which can leave a child with learning disabilities. Over time, chemicals can lead to a wide range of health problems from endocrine and reproductive disruption to cancer. Exposure to harmful chemicals in consumer products and the environment disproportionately impact communities of color and lower income communities that are more often exposed to cumulative toxins. It is often the case that cheaper and deadlier products are marketed to the most vulnerable members of our communities.

What is Oregon doing to address toxic chemicals?
Thankfully, there are three key bills addressing toxic chemicals this 2023 Session being led by Oregon Environmental Council and Beyond Toxics and their partners. We continue to advocate for and defend these bills from staunch opposition from the chemical and pesticide industry and demand that toxics be prioritized by our lawmakers.

This year, National Public Health Week coincides with an important deadline in Oregon’s legislative session, and thus determines what health-protective policies will, or will not, move forward. On April 4th, every bill currently being considered by the Oregon legislature must have been voted out of its first chamber committee.

happy Group of elementary school kids running forward

What do these bills do, and what is their current status?

1) Toxic Free Schools (SB 426)

Oregon school districts and regulatory agencies currently lack funding, coordination and resources needed to implement safer pesticide use practices. As a result, unintentional yet illegal pesticide uses are occurring at Oregon schools. SB 426 will fix a 14-year unfunded mandate for schools and create a path towards modernized record keeping and safer choices for pest control under the Healthy and Safe Schools Act.

The Toxic Free Schools Act will:

End a 14-year unfunded mandate by providing resources and technological assistance to school districts to reduce harmful pesticide use.

Modernize pesticide record-keeping processes and increase transparency for communities.

SB 426 was voted out of the Senate Education Committee on March 30th and has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee to address its fiscal impact.