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How you can source ethical and sustainable flowers
Why is it important?
Flowers are a romantic way to show love to your valentine. However, the ubiquity and accessibility of those flowers are putting shade to the long, difficult journey they traveled to your house. Love is hurting our planet… Believe it or not!
Pesticides are hurting our planet, we all know that. Why? They secrete into soils and groundwater and that ends up in drinking water. Sprays can drift and pollute the air. This is why there are laws around preventing the use of highly toxic pesticides or at least limiting the magnitude of exposure.
However, since flowers are not edible crop, they are exempt from regulations on pesticide residues. As an example, Methyl Bromide, a toxic chemical that is highly hazardous to humans and five times more destructive to the ozone layer than Carbon Dioxide, is heavily used in the flower industry.
The other problem is transportation from the greenhouse to your house. Flowers imported from abroad (many from South America or Africa) are traveling long and far to reach the United States, emitting an immense amount of CO2 on their way to your vase.
The level of pollution created by pesticides and shipping the flowers have inspired a push sustainable & locally-grown flowers. It is all about working with Mother Nature, growing bee-friendly flowers, and flowers free of any pesticides. You know we're all about working with Mother Nature at Detox Babe, so we thought you would be too! Check out how to source sustainable flowers below.
1. Buy locally-grown flowers
Consumers often are unaware of where their flowers are coming from. Did they travel from afar to only last a week? To reduce your carbon footprint, buy locally-grown flowers to ensure your flowers are not imported. Supporting local florists by asking the origin of flowers at the florist, or buying from a local farmers market. Ask the florist if they have plastic-alternative to flower wrap, such as butcher paper!
2. Buy Seasonal Flowers
Buying seasonal flowers reduces the resources required to grow flowers out of season, and makes them more environmentally-friendly. In California, seasonal flowers are Calendula (one of the ingredients in our Bye Bye Stress), Pansies, Stock, and Nasturtiums.
3. Look for Organic and Fair Trade Flowers
While their hard to come by, they do exist! We know this, as we source only organic flower pedals for our soaks. Here's a list of sources:
4. Create Your Own Bouquet
If you have a garden of your own, or know someone that does, cut your own flowers! There are a lot of hidden costs when flowers move through the supply chain, and this method will ensure your Valentine's bouquet will have none of those environmental or social costs. If you don't have a garden of your own, take a pair of scissors and find a bed of wildflowers! There's nothing more beautiful than a hand-picked bouquet!
5. Opt For A Plant Instead of Flowers
To avoid any environmental and social costs associated with cut flowers, opt for a native plant! Plants last longer, look beautiful and provide oxygen in the home! Cacti and succulents are low maintenance - and are well-loved by everyone.
Looking For A Gift That Pairs Well With Flowers Or A Plant?
Our bath soaks make a beautiful Valentine's day gift for anyone that enjoys relaxing, and they're even more special when you take one with your lover.
Here are our recommendations for a romantic evening:
Bye Bye Stress - Bye Bye Pain - Bye Bye Toxins - Bye Bye Dry