Green Up Your Valentines Day with Organic Flowers - A Loving Choice for All Occasions
Fresh flowers are a great way to brighten up our dreary winter days. And with V-day less than 2 weeks away, flowers are top of mind. But knowing where the flowers are grown and what chemicals are used to grow them are important questions for consumers.
A 1997 report by the Environmental Working Group found that commercially grown roses contained 1,000 times the amount of cancer causing pesticides when compared with food products.
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The cut-flower industry has faced global criticism for human right abuses and ecological pollution. In addition to geo-political issues, cut flowers have traditionally been treated with a wide array of pesticides, insecticides and toxic chemicals. This poses huge health threats to workers, their families and potentially people who are bringing flowers into their homes. 
2 well know and respected certifications to look for are Rain Forest Alliance and VeriFlora. <a href="http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/agriculture.cfm?id=ferns_flowers">Rain Forest Alliance</a> Certifies Central and South American farms, see their overview and list. <a href="http://www.veriflora.com/">VeriFlora</a> certification program establishes procedures for verifying agricultural production and handling practices, from soil preparation and seed planting through production, harvest, and post-harvest distribution.
The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that in California alone flower growers apply almost 800,000 pounds of pesticides each year.
The cut-flower industry has faced global criticism for human right abuses and ecological pollution. In addition to geo-political issues, cut flowers have traditionally been treated with a wide array of pesticides, insecticides and toxic chemicals. This poses huge health threats to workers, their families and potentially people who are bringing flowers into their homes.
Where to find sustainably grown flowers in Chicago:
In the summer months look to your local farmers markets, and CSAs for beautiful organic bouquets and cut flowers. Checkout the City's list of
Chicago's Summer Markets
In February cut flowers need to travel to us - Some Chicagoland options include:
Local Florists - Support small business and ask them about their eco-friendly, organic options - some local shops participate in waste reduction programs, vase take back programs, and plastic wrap alternatives. If they've don't know about the benefits of organic cut-flowers help educate them - for their family's and business' health.
Whole Foods - Carries flowers with Veriflora certification, "Whole Trade" grown according to WF standards, and a small selection of certified organic flowers.
Diamond Organics - organic flowers grown in California and Hawaii, and more organic goodies for gifts.
Organic Bouquet - provides some organic and fairly traded options for flowers.
Pollen - Eco friendly florist focusing on events, weddings and business environments.
(Source: PicApp)
1 Comment
Pollen said:
Thanks so much for making people more aware of greener cut flower options, and for including Pollen in your blog. Most people don't realize that about 75% of cut flowers sold in the US were grown in South America. With people becoming more concerned about where and how the items they consume are produced, articles like this only help to make it easier to become a more conscious consumer!
Lynn Fosbender
Pollen
www.pollenfloraldesign.com
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