In a perfect world, there would always be flowers blooming outside my window. Unfortunately, the ground is frozen and there is not a bud to be found, not even at my farmers' market. If local, seasonal flowers aren't an option, Whole Living Magazine suggests you look for these green labels when you want to freshen up your apartment or send some flowers home to mom.
• Fair Trade Certified This label means the flowers come from sustainable farms that provide fair wages and safe, clean conditions for workers and also help fund community development projects.
• USDA Organic Certified No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used at any time during the growing process.
• Veriflora A third party (Scientific Certification Systems) has determined that both the workers and the natural resources are protected during production.
• Rainforest Alliance Certified The green frog seal means that the farm follows Sustainable Agriculture Network standards for limiting pesticides and providing access to health care and education to workers and their families.
The good news is that fresh flowers with these labels can be found at many national retailers like Whole Foods, and online at California Organic Flowers, Organic Bouquet and FTD.com.
Read It: Econundrum: How Can I Find Eco-Friendly Flowers?
Related Posts:
• Day 2: Buy Fresh Flowers
• 10 Ways To Make Your Flowers Last Longer
(Image: Liz Vidyarthi. Originally published 2010-07-15)
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Comments (8)
This is interesting, thanks for posting. I try to buy organic produce and free-range meats, but I've never considered purchasing eco-friendly flowers. I'll have to look out for those labels. Are they available at Whole Foods? I don't think I've ever noticed.
I love the idea of fresh flowers in the home. But on a side note, what's the flower they have pictured with the article? Those are stunning!
PHR, I think they're peonies!
Another tip, Re: FTD: Call a local floral shop instead. You'll get way more bang for your buck and support a local shop. All FTD does is call a local place and order for you, and they charge you and the florist for the service. If you've got $30 to spend, you could end up getting nearly twice as much flower power by calling the florist yourself. Some shops have price-point arrangements, and they may either have pics online or be able to send you a couple if you're super concerned about the appearance. They'll also be able to select seasonal/unique varieties. #hortstudenttalkstoomuch
I second UPNDOWN - Since I work in one of those local flower shops, I see how much places like FTD, 1800Flowers, Just Flowers, etc rip off their online customers with outrageous middle-man costs on top of the cost of the arrangement. And if you're ordering something organic on FTD, the order ends up at the local florist who might not have those organic flower choices - so it's always best to call the local shop and talk to the friendly sales staff to discuss your options.
The transportation of flowers is still a major ecological problem - some people try to avoid air-freighted fruit and veg; flowers are just as bad. Even Fairtrade/organic flowers demand a huge amount of water, too, and farms in some places compete with local residents for an already inadequate fresh water supply. Flowers, unless you can get locally grown organic ones (or grow your own!) need to be for special occasions only and not and everyday thing - that's just another modern excess.
http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/behind_the_label/302429/behind_the_label_cut_flowers.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2006/feb/14/ethicalmoney.leohickmanonethicalliving
That first link is:
http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/behind_the_label/302429/
behind_the_label_cut_flowers.html
with the line-break removed.
I buy my flowers at the locally owned grocery store by my house, where the florist is referred to by her first name. Obviously, there isn't much growing in Oregon right now, but I feel pretty good supporting local business.