kevinkrejci's flickr photostream (creative commons)
Beekeeping is currently illegal in New York City, but a growing number of bee keepers, environmentalists and honey enthusiasts are working to legalize the keeping of hives. New York City Health Code (Section 161.01 if you’re wondering) prohibits the possession, keeping, harboring and selling of “wild animals”, but unlike urban tigers, bees are relatively docile when properly tended and offer a variety of benefits to city dwellers. For those of you who have been following the plight of the honey bee here on Take Part, you’ll know that bees are vital for pollinating our food supply, and with the looming threat of Colony Collapse Disorder, we could use all the bees we can get. Local honey is not only delicious and distinct, but also considered the best remedy for people with allergies, as it builds their immunity to local allergens.
Other cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Portland, Paris, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver have legalized beekeeping, so what’s holding back the little progressive town of New York? Many beekeepers continue unabated by the legal restrictions, but they shouldn’t have to keep the wonderful practice a secret. There’s a whole lot of rooftop space that could be buzzing with as much productive activity as the streets below!
takepart by helping to make beekeeping legal in NYC by signing Just Food’s petition.
CATEGORIES: Education, Environment, Global Health
Related Posts:
Stay Informed with TakePart:
Get Blog Updates:
Blogroll
- AlterNet
- Amnesty International Livewire
- b-listed
- Boing Boing
- Brave New Films
- CauseCast
- Changents
- Climate Crisis
- Democracy Now!
- Ecorazzi
- EdNews
- Environmental News Network
- Ethicurean
- GOOD
- Grist
- Harvard World Health News
- Huffington Post
- Human Rights Watch
- Inhabitat
- Meatless Monday
- Media Matters
- NewsTrust
- NRDC Switchboard
- Rock The Vote
- SEED Magazine
- SocialVibe
- Sustainablog
- TechPresident
- The Daily Dish
- The Democracy Center
- Think Progress
- TreeHugger
- Truthout
- Why Tuesday?
- Worldchanging
Hello Danny,
Great article on informing us about legalizing beekeeping in New York City. I had no idea it wasn’t legal there. I have always been an advocate for the bees. I get honey, beeswax and propolis from a local holistic beekeeper. I encouraged a friend to be a beekeeper and now she is creating a bee sanctuary. I use products from the beehive formulating and making natural skin care products. I have excellent results with revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin. I love the honeybees and all they provide. They truly are a gift.
Joan Morais
Thanks for your comment Joan, and I’m sure the bees and beekeepers appreciate your support!
While I understand the legality of prohibiting the possession of wild animals within NYC or any other human-inhabited community (due to the irresponsibility of many humans in caring for and securing those animals), I would not consider the honeybee in the same category. It’s not as if that many people are going to want to keep a hive but, for those who do want to, they should be able to. They’d be contributing to the natural cycle which can be sadly lacking in an urban environment. Why prohibit something that improves life for all?
I definitely agree Rebecca, thanks for the comment!
As far as I understand, beekeeping is not really legal in Toronto. It is permitted in spaces that are far enough away from neighbors and people (i.e hotel rooftops) but it is illegal to keep bees in backyards.