The cut flower industry is in need of change.
Over 80% of flowers sold at florists are imported and cause significant environmental, labor, and health issues.
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Environmental Concerns
Almost all commercial flower growers use toxic pollutants that harm the environment and important pollinators. Plus, imported cut flowers are shipped on refrigerated trucks and planes responsible for massive carbon emissions.
In fact, each year’s Valentine’s Day flowers shipped from Colombia to the US produces 360,000 metric tons of CO2 - the same as 78,000 cars driven for an entire year!
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Unethical Labor
Frequently working 16-20 hour days for extremely low wages, the commercial flower industry in Colombia (the largest exporter of US flowers) employs predominantly women for the equivalent of just $300 per month.
This unethical labor allows for inexpensive bouquets at your local grocery store - but it’s not without a cost to these workers, who report high rates of sexual harassment by male bosses and repetitive stress injuries without any employer-provided treatment or time-off.
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Health Hazards
Synthetic pesticides, which are known carcinogens, are widely used in the cut flower industry, and their use is hardly regulated. Exposure to these chemicals has been known to cause cancers (mainly cervical, testicular, and prostate) and increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
These pesticides are so harsh that even the US florists are paying the price. Even the residue of these chemicals, handled by local florists, has been proven to cause health issues.
We can do better with flowers you’ll feel good about
We’re committed to doing right by our neighbors, clients, and Mother Nature. That means we greatly limit the use of chemicals, instead relying on organic practices (hello, fish byproducts!), share free flowers with community members in need, upcycle local business waste, and are continually learning new and experimental ways to grow flowers using less water.