Why we should worry about dying bees and what we can do about it
Whether you enjoy honey or not, bees are important not only environmentally, but also to the supply chain of food, and agriculture in general. They rather conveniently and vitally pollinate crops—from fruits and vegetables to nuts—in their intrepid travels to bring back pollen to the hive. Without them, we would need to find alternative ways to do so. This makes the growing numbers of dead bees in the US alarming. Current figures, according to American commercial beekeepers, reveal that between 40 to 50 per cent of the hives needed to pollinate the US’s crops have been lost.
The New York Times sums up the issue succinctly: “Fewer bees means smaller harvests and higher food prices.”
The current cause for the crisis is somewhat of a mystery, with one theory placing the blame on newer and more aggressive pesticides that have been introduced over the last few years. In some interesting developments, Popular Science has reported that Open Tech Forever has produced a high-tech beehive that monitors the health and behavior of a bee colony. The code for the beehive is available free of charge, from the project website.
It is hoped that, through users posting their bee hive data online, trends can be found, ultimately leading to solutions for the troubling issue.
To read more, click here.
Smooth operator: The secret behind Zara’s supply chain
This week, Zara, the Spain based clothing retailer, was the feature in an interesting piece by Business Week. The article detailed some of the factors leading to Zara’s successful and ever expanding fashion empire—1,770 shops in 86 countries—and more importantly how its slick and speedy supply chain operates.
Arteixo, in the northwest of Spain, is a small unassuming town and home to Zara’s headquarters. Key to Zara’s success are some of its unique business practices. Zara invests in its supply chain and controls more of its manufacturing than most retailers, with half its clothes being produced in Spain or countries close by. Furthermore, as a result and perhaps a reflection on the quality of its product, it discounts its items much less than other brands. Where the industry standard for the full price on garments is between 60 and 70 per cent, Zara receives 85 per cent. Zara can thus afford to spend more on labor and shipping.
Just outside of Zara’s HQ is the company’s main distribution center, where around 150 million garments arrive for inspection and to be sorted. Regardless of whether the item comes from China or Portugal, they all come to Spain first. Once approved, they are shipped and either taken directly to a store or the airport. The trucks and planes are all coordinated on pre-established itineraries. Orders are usually at stores within 48 hours.
Zara’s ability to manage its inventory from its HQ is a key factor to its success.
To read more, click here.
Tesla hit with further controversy
This week the guardian reported more bad news for Tesla, in light of recent and unexpected incidents where Tesla automobiles have caught fire.
In what is being categorized as an industrial accident at Tesla’s San Francisco Bay area factory, one worker has been badly injured, and two more suffered minor injuries when a casting press containing hot aluminum failed, spilling and burning the three workers. All three employees suffered second degree burns, and were promptly taken to the hospital.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk, commenting on the workers well-being and treatment, said that he would “personally ensure that they receive the best possible care.”
To read more, click here.
Have a nice weekend!
