Eco-Friendly Bouquet
Flowers can fix a lot. When in doubt about this, try it (guys, are you listening?). Colorful and extravagant, neutral and petite, they’re all good. Research has shown that looking at flowers first thing in the morning makes us feel happier and more energetic long into the workday. Now, if you have questions about which arrangements to pick, read on. Just because you’ve got some green going on in the bouquet, doesn’t mean you’ve got a green bouquet.
Sometimes the greener choice is simple. Other times, it might not work for you.
Traditional Bouquet
Eco-Friendly Bouquet
Do the math
Bouquet of 18 arranged yellow roses from 1800Flowers.com = $84.99 (not including shipping)
Two dozen VeriFlora Certified Eco-Friendly Lavender Roses = $83.90 (including shipping)
What you’ll miss
A savings of $28.33 (yes, the green choice is less expensive, for an equal number of flowers) and the chance to support not only ecosystem protection, fair labor practices and community benefits, but also the Rainforest Foundation.
The environmental impact of un-certified growing practices and an included glass vase, (instead you can purchase a 100% recycled green glass vase at Organic Bouquet for $12.95 or check the site for occasional free vase promotions).
Blooming Business
There are some ugly facts surrounding the beauty of cut flowers. Traditional methods of growing and processing deliveries take environmental tolls in terms of pesticides, working conditions and transportation costs (whether by ground or air). Since 1-800-Flowers send their bouquets from a variety of sources, you’ll be unable to determine what kind of impact your dozen has had.
VeriFlora certification is America’s first comprehensive sustainability certification program for the floral and plant industries. Translation: it’s a guarantee that you’re helping contribute to sustainable living. As a bonus, the prices for these certified flowers are comparative to un-certified flowers available from other sources.
Why your grandchildren will care
Not only will they be around to try and fix environmental damage done now (like the emissions from transporting flowers) but toxic pesticides will effect them on two sides; seeped into the soil and water and from your flowers into the air they breathe inside your home.
You’ll be lessening the impact of this industry on the environment and their health.
Greenzer France 