The problem with cut flowers
I am a sucker for tulips but cut flowers are often a sustainability nightmare.
For pretty things in a vase, cut flowers punch well above their weight in terms of environmental fallout. They are grown using copious doses of fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, nematocides and plant-growth regulators, generally washed straight into waterways. One study of greenhouses in Mexico growing flowers for the global market found 36 chemicals in air samples from the hothouse, including, horrifyingly, DDT.
But it’s not only the pesticides in cut flower production that are problematic for the environment. Flowers are often grown with intense irrigation systems that deplete water reserves. They are often grown in energy intensive greenhouses. Or are grown in far-off, sunny climes from where they are transported long distances in refrigerated containers, which typically use 25% more fuel than unrefrigerated transport. These, of course, contribute heavily to the carbon emissions that cause global heating. So, all in all, cut flowers are not a great choice from a sustainability perspective 😬
But consumer culture insists that we express love through consumption and flowers are a recognised symbol of affection. But what if we just tweak the symbolism a little bit this valentine’s day? Maybe you could consider one of these more sustainable options for your valentine this weekend, instead of buying flowers…
🌱 A pot plant that will live longer
🌱 A tree that will absorb carbon
🌱 Seeds
🌱 A hardy cactus (in case your valentine doesn’t have green fingers)
🌱 Slow flowers that are sustainably and locally grown. (These will be different depending on where you live so do some research.)
Good luck! And happy valentine’s day 🥰
