B&Q, Wickes and Homebase ban pesticides linked to bee decline30 January 2013
Three major retailers - B&Q, Wickes and Homebase - are banning pesticides linked to shrinking bee populations.
This is a major victory for Friends of the Earth's Bee Cause campaign. Only yesterday it sent two giant bees to Downing Street to hand in a 64,000 name petition urging David Cameron to create a Bee Action Plan.
Risk to bees
The decision by B&Q, Wickes and Homebase to stop selling products containing some forms of neonicotinoid pesticides follows new European guidelines.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently warned that three neonicotinoids can pose a risk to bees. And yesterday the European Commission announced it is drafting new laws to limit the use of neonicotinoids on crops attractive to honeybees.
Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns, Andrew Pendleton said:
We're delighted stores are withdrawing these pesticides. Other retailers must follow suit and take action to protect our bees.
It's also good news that Europe is following the latest scientific advice on bees and chemicals. The UK Government should support the new laws.
Pressure on the Government
This move by major retailers increases pressure on the Government to:
- Ban some neonicotinoid pesticides
- Take urgent action to reverse falling bee numbers.
Our Bee Cause campaign is calling for David Cameron to introduce a Bee Action Plan to tackle all major causes of bee decline - including pesticides.
Please ask the Government to act now. Thank you.
© Amelia Collins
