Sustainability Program
“Sustainability is the ability to acheive continuing economic prosperity while protecting the natural systems of the planet and providing a high quality of life for its people. Achieving sustainable solutions calls for stewardship, with everyone taking responsibility for solving the problems of today and tomorrow – individuals, communities, businesses and governments are all stewards of the environment”. (US EPA)
What does this have to do with flowers? Aren’t flowers eco-friendly already – I mean, they’re flowers, from Mother Earth! Here are the most common misperceptions about flowers:
Aren’t all flowers organic?
No, they aren’t. Organic refers to specific farming practices for agricultural products, including food and flowers. The US Department of Agriculture regulates the certification and use of the term, and you can read more about the USDA Organic Program here. Flowers are commercially grown on large farms in regions around the world, and the same distinction between organic and conventionally grown food applies to flowers.
What does it matter since we don’t eat flowers?
It matters for a lot of reasons, including the health and safety of the farm workers and handlers that may be exposed to chemicals and the environmental effects on the soil and groundwater. Even in your home, there may be residue still on the flowers.
Let’s just use potted plants for our decor instead.
Potted plants are beautiful and are definitely part of a healthy interior environment. But for special events like weddings and parties, a potted plant just doesn’t substitute for the floral centerpiece. We have yet to see a bride walk down the aisle carrying a Boston Fern in a ceramic pot. Flowers are an integral part of a wedding celebration, and make the average day a little brighter.
