Valentine's Day is upon us, a day when US consumers spend 2 million dollars on flowers. I urge you to consider buying flowers locally. If local flowers are not available in February, consider other options.
There are some great reasons to buy local flowers. I would add to that list the important factor of your health.
Imported flowers are not regulated for pesticide, fungicide, and fertilizer use. In order to get flowers to you that last during transport and their time in a store, flowers are bred to survive transport and sprayed to last. This means that flowers have been genetically modified to be sturdy and long-lasting, removing most scents and any feature that easily bruises or can be damaged. In addition, flowers are sprayed with chemicals that help them last weeks in transport and display. Florists are advised to wear gloves when handling imported flowers (1). Consider not only your health but also the health of those who work with these flowers to grow and harvest them (2).
There is a certification through FlorVerde that international flower farms can achieve through meeting responsible farming practices with their workers and agricultural systems. Look for the FlorVerde sticker if you are buying flowers at the store.
Looking for alternatives this Valentine's Day?
Consider the following Sourwood Creek Farm gifts:
At Sourwood Creek Farm we farm using organic and regenerative practices. Our mission is to share beauty and instill joy in your life by growing beautiful blooms that flourish in healthy soil. Our flowers start with healthy soil, which means that we use farming practices that focus on caring for the soil and increasing its biodiversity.
Other posts you may find helpful:
Also, check out our About Us page to get information about how we farm.
Comments