Greener flowers?

What could be ‘greener’ or more earth friendly than flowers? Are some flowers ‘greener’ than others?

Our Creator gives us the gift of beauty in flowers. We may especially treasure flowers during our dormant winter season, but since 90% of cut flowers sold in the US are imported from Columbia and Ecuador, have we thought about the impact of their long air journey? We know that airplanes are major greenhouse gas emitters. And what about environmental justice? We read that flower plantation workers can experience harsh conditions, low pay, and unfair treatment to women. But what can we do when 90% of flowers are imported?

There is a small but growing core of enterprise in local seasonal flowers. In addition to avoiding the transportation impacts, locally grown flowers support small businesses, and use native plants to nourish pollinators, feed the earth and clean the air. Is our earth worth the time and cost of using local resources?
We do have choices. Here are some options to consider before picking up that handy grocery store bouquet, or ordering a centerpiece online.

MOM’s Organic Market has no flowers on display right now, but once the blooming season begins, they stock fresh blooms from the Lancaster Cooperative in Pennsylvania. Whole Foods sells flowers that do make that long journey, but their Whole Trade brand are certified Fair Trade products, so workers are paid and treated fairly.

Local Farmers’ Markets all feature in season displays of local flowers and plants.

A nationwide movement called Slow Flowers is dedicated to promoting American grown flowers and florists who use local flowers. (www.slowflowers.com/aboutus.html) Slow flowers has a directory of florists and wholesalers who serve their local areas. There are a number of florists and wholesalers who grow and use local flowers in our region. Listings for some of these are posted on the Care for Creation Ministry webpage under Blog.

As I appreciate the gift of flowers, I ask myself, what does the earth need from me so it can continue to sustain the plant life cycles that reward us with beauty and fulfill their role in creation?