Are Supermarket Flowers Eco-Friendly? A Simple Guide To Buying Sustainable Bouquets (2024)

Bringing fresh flowers home is a special treat for yourself and your space. Growing up, my parents would always get us flowers for our birthdays. To this day, my mom will either cut fresh flowers from her garden or buy a bouquet to put in my old childhood room when I come to visit. I love flowers, and having them in my home brings me a sense of peace and connection to the beauty in nature. Whenever I see a bouquet in the store, I’m tempted to bring it home with me, especially when there are three feet of snow outside my house, and I need a break from the vast, glaring white with the beautiful colors of the various blooms in a bouquet. But I was recently posed an interesting question, how sustainable are flowers?

Are Supermarket Flowers Eco-Friendly? A Simple Guide To Buying Sustainable Bouquets (1)

I live in Colorado, and especially with the six-month-long winter we seem to experience, it is hard to believe that any of the flowers I might pick up from the grocery store are grown locally. So, where do they come from? Most flowers in the U.S. are imported. If California is having a warm year, there is a chance that the flowers might be at least based in the U.S.; however, most of the time, the delicate bouquets are imported from tropical countries such as Ecuador or Colombia. If you’re in Europe, there’s a 35% chance your flowers came from Kenya, of all places. (The African country is the #3 flower exporter in the world, and also sells to the U.S. and Russia.) This already poses a problem as millions of flowers must be transported via airplane to quickly get the blooms to us before they wilt. Still, first, they must be stored in a refrigerated warehouse to await shipment. I’m assuming that energy efficiency isn’t the top priority of most producers. In 2018, it was estimated that during the three weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, 360,000 metric tons of carbon emissions are created from flower deliveries alone. Importing the flowers by plane obviously increases transportation emissions to get them here, but it doesn’t stop there.

Once in the U.S., the flowers are then distributed to various cities, towns, and of course, flower shops. This is done by refrigerated trucks that drive all over the United States to get them to their destinations. Refrigerated trucks use 25 % more fuel than regular trucks due to the extra energy the vehicle needs to keep cool. So this means that unless the company uses electric trucks, which are not yet common, the flower deliveries to stores, events, and even directly to our homes are creating more emissions than regular packages.

This, of course, doesn’t even begin to take into consideration the ethical practices the companies that grow these flowers have towards their workers or any pesticides or other toxic chemicals they may use. Flowers, as some of the most delicate produce, are subject to heavy pesticide use. A 2017 study found that children exposed to increased pesticides for Mother’s Day flower season showed neurobehavioral issues such as motor skills, attention, and inhibition control. The children lived in Ecuador flower farming areas, but did not work as farm workers themselves. (Yes, that’s children in Ecuador who are suffering due to our *Mother’s Day* flowers, of all holidays.) If you’re buying from a supermarket, chances are that your blooms were also sprayed heavily with pesticides. Plus, most supermarket and flower shop bouquets come wrapped in plastic and other disposable waste.

Are Supermarket Flowers Eco-Friendly? A Simple Guide To Buying Sustainable Bouquets (2)

If you still want to buy your flowers (which I know I will still want to do), the best solution is to shop as local as possible. During the wintertime, some select growers will grow flowers in greenhouses. These are good to look for right now. But try to get them as close to the source as possible all year round, so the flowers don’t have to be delivered to you in a refrigerated vehicle. Slow Flowers is a great online directory that allows you to search for local flower farms and floral designers who prioritize locally grown blooms. When you work with local vendors, it’s easy to talk about organic flowers and request no plastic packaging. In the summertime, look for flowers at your local farmer’s market and support your community at the same time! Flowers from local markets are some of the most beautiful bouquets I’ve ever seen and are my favorite to receive. You can also take a page from my mom’s book and grow your own flowers in your lawn (or even patio in a pot) and take clippings before the bloom begins to wilt.

However, there are more options that will still bring beauty into your home without adding to our carbon footprint. When gifting someone flowers, consider getting them a houseplant instead (again, think local though!) or a photograph or painting of a flower that they can hang up on their wall. These gifts will last a lot longer than a bouquet, and you or the recipient doesn’t have to worry about where to compost the flowers to prevent an even larger footprint. What do you think? What will you do the next time you’re going out to buy flowers?

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Photo: John-Mark Smith on Unsplash; Peaceful Dumpling

Are Supermarket Flowers Eco-Friendly? A Simple Guide To Buying Sustainable Bouquets (2024)

FAQs

Are flower bouquets eco friendly? ›

Locally grown flowers, when seasonally available, are more sustainable than alternatives. (Flowers native to your area are the most sustainable, as they protect biodiversity and require minimal inputs.) Domestically-grown, sustainably-certified flowers are a reasonable second choice.

Are supermarket flowers better than florist flowers? ›

'Florist flowers last longer', 'Florist flowers are better cared for', 'Florists offer flexibility, custom arrangements and gift wrapping options' AND 'Supermarket flowers are easy – pre-packed, ready to go, convenient and above all cheap!!! '

Should I buy flowers from supermarket? ›

Grocery stores have great prices on house plants.

Small and large potted house plants are much cheaper to buy at the grocery store than anywhere else. And they're often the exact same plants sold everywhere else! This is because, as mentioned above, supermarkets simply buy large quantities from wholesalers.

What is an eco-friendly bouquet? ›

Eco-friendly flowers are a beautiful solution for the thoughtful gift giver. These all natural flowers and greenery within the arrangement use only string, woven natural fibre that can be recycled or biodegradable. The ribbon is hessian.

Why is selling flowers not sustainable? ›

Fresh cut flowers are also treated with synthetic pesticides, which persists on the bouquets that make it to supermarkets and some commercial florist shops. Synthetic herbicides and pesticides like glyphosate are known carcinogens that can pollute waterways and seep into drinking water supplies.

How long should supermarket flowers last? ›

Flowers can stay fresh for about a week, but if you take care of them properly, your blooms will be perky for about 7-12 days. Following these easy tips will help your flowers stay healthy and colorful for up to a week longer.

Why are grocery store flowers so much cheaper? ›

In other words, that bouquet you bought for $15 likely cost the store just $7.50. That's because most of the stems for sale in US grocery stores are flown in from South America, where land and labor are much cheaper.

What is the disadvantages of flower shop? ›

One of the disadvantages of being a florist is that compared to other jobs, floristry is not a high paying occupation. There is also a lot of competition for jobs. You may experience some stressful working conditions during peak holiday seasons, such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas.

Are supermarket flowers dyed? ›

The dyes used to tint fresh cut flowers sold in stores are called absorption dyes. As the name implies, the color change occurs when cut flowers absorb the dye. This chemical tint is mixed into warm water. Flower stems are cut on an angle to absorb the dye easily after being left out of water for several hours.

Why do supermarkets put flowers at the front of the store? ›

Flowers, however, are always right there in front. It's because it has been proven that the aromatic fragrance of flowers and their pleasant appearance actually puts shoppers in a good mood. The better a customer's mood, the more they spend. Flowers also subconsciously make consumers think about freshness.

What can I throw instead of bouquet? ›

Candy Toss

This is another fun idea you can use to replace the traditional bouquet toss. Instead of the bouquet or garter toss, you could have an exciting time tossing candy, like toffees, hard sweets, or chocolate coins to all the wedding guests. You can this opportunity to get everyone involved in the activity.

How environmentally friendly are cut flowers? ›

TLDR : Carbon emissions associated with cut-flower production can be as high as 3kg CO2 per flower. A large proportion of emissions are attributed to heating greenhouses with fossil fuels such as natural gas.

What are eco-friendly alternatives to flowers at a wedding? ›

Potted plants are the perfect eco-friendly alternative to your usual cut flowers, they can be enjoyed long after the day and could even double up as favours for guests.

Are fake flowers more eco-friendly? ›

For single use, fresh flowers are the greener floral option.

From production to disposal, a faux flower bouquet that is only used once is responsible for about 2.5 times more greenhouse gas pollution.

What do you call the green stuff florists use? ›

Floral foam - those green blocks of sponge-like foam that is also known as Oasis - is much-loved by florists for it's convenience.

How do you buy flowers ethically? ›

How you can source ethical and sustainable flowers
  1. Buy locally-grown flowers. Without strict labelling requirements in the flower industry, consumers often have no idea where their flowers are sourced. ...
  2. Buy seasonal flowers. ...
  3. Look out for organic and fair trade flowers. ...
  4. Cut your own flowers. ...
  5. Buy a plant instead.
Jan 11, 2021

Are Trader Joe's flowers ethical? ›

Shop Small For A Unique & Meaningful Farm-to-Vase Bouquet

Yet, more and more this seemingly small trend is blooming: big players like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are selling sustainably grown flowers through VeriFlora, a company that certifies only organic and Fair Trade stems.

How bad is the floral industry for the environment? ›

It is estimated that these markets take 100 million roses and that to send them on time adds about 9,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. The news about big holiday flowers isn't great. Vast quantities of Valentine's Day and Mother's Day flowers add to greenhouse gases.

How long do store bought flower bouquets last? ›

Most cut flowers can last anywhere from 7-12 days if properly cared for, but there are easy ways and simple tricks to make your bouquets last longer with common household items.

Where do Aldi get their flowers from? ›

The major portion of the flowers in the store is grown on farms in Ethiopia and Kenya. Aldi, simultaneously, works with Australian farmers to acquire as many Australian-grown flowers and plants as necessary.

Why put cut flowers in boiling water? ›

Hot water might be also considered as a means to kill bacteria or unclog the stems of a fresh cut flower to allow greater water absorption and preserve the blooms for longer, Gaumond says, which is where this boiling water tip may have begun growing.

Does aspirin keep cut roses fresher longer? ›

Aspirin. It's a tried-and-true way to keep roses and other cut flowers fresh longer: Put a crushed aspirin in the water before adding your flowers. Also, don't forget to change the vase water every few days.

How do you keep store bought flowers healthy? ›

Fresh, clean water will keep your cut flowers alive longer. Remove the flowers from the vase every two or three days, rinse the vase out, and fill it with fresh water. If you have dying foliage, be sure to remove it. Placing your arrangement in the fridge overnight will also help extend your flower's life.

Why are Trader Joe's flowers so cheap? ›

If you've ever wondered how they can keep prices so low, here's your answer: “We buy our flowers in large volume, direct from the growers. This helps keep our costs down and allows us to pass those savings on to our customers.”

Are Trader Joe's flower prices decent? ›

Trader Joe's is a great place to find flowers for any occasion. The prices are reasonable, the selection is good, and the quality is excellent. Whether you're looking for something seasonal or year-round, you'll definitely be able to find it at Trader Joe's.

Why do supermarket flowers not smell? ›

Have you ever noticed that supermarket flowers often don't smell? Mass-produced cut flowers are bred and grown for the way they look and last, fragrance can be bred out of them. Smaller, more carefully bred flowers smell as delicious as the day they were cut and smell sweeter inside your home.

What do florists do with flowers they don't sell? ›

They're donated

There are dozens of charities in the US that accept unsold bouquets from florists, repurpose them and donate them again. Take Random Acts of Flowers, a nonprofit that donates bouquets to patients in hospice or assisted living care facilities.

Do flower shops use chemicals? ›

With the need to grow, transport, and ship floral product worldwide, chemicals are used to preserve the investment made in growing these delicate botanicals. However, although we're aware that pesticides are used in the floral industry, it means there is risk of chemical exposure for floral pros.

What is the difference between florist and flower shop? ›

Both florists and floral designers provide flowers to customers, but they have different roles. Florists usually have a store, and you can usually choose the flowers you want from their catalogue. Floral designers, on the other hand, are more flexible and offer personalized arrangements for their clients.

How do you make supermarket flowers look expensive? ›

Because, if we're being honest, floral arrangements are really expensive.
...
  1. Choose Long-Lasting Varieties. ...
  2. Select a Mix of Colored and Neutral Flowers. ...
  3. Vary the Shape of the Flowers. ...
  4. Don't Forget the Greens. ...
  5. Grab Some Wrapping Paper. ...
  6. Prep Your Flowers. ...
  7. Stagger Your Blooms. ...
  8. Avoid Common Rookie Mistakes.

What is the key of supermarket flowers? ›

Supermarket Flowers is written in the key of F♯.

Where do most flower shops get their flowers? ›

Depending on their clients' wishes and what flowers are in season, florists may purchase directly from local farms, wholesalers, or flower auctions. Some florists even grow their own flowers or import them from countries such as Holland or Colombia.

Are flowers cheaper at Costco? ›

Are Flowers Cheaper At Costco? According to information currently available online, Costco's floral department is significantly more affordable than competitors and dedicated floral shops. For example, the average cost of wedding flowers in the US ranges from $1500 to $5000.

How do I make a cheap bouquet look expensive? ›

  1. Separate Them into Different Arrangements. ...
  2. The Vase Makes a Big Difference. ...
  3. You Can Actually Toss the Stems. ...
  4. Try a Line-up of Bud Vases. ...
  5. Steal a Leaf Trick from Your Florist. ...
  6. Add Succulents. ...
  7. Put Two Bouquets Together. ...
  8. Use Filler, and in the Right Order.
Feb 15, 2015

Are bouquets necessary? ›

So the final answer to “Do I need a wedding bouquet?” is ABSOLUTELY NOT… but you've got tons of options! Whatever type of offbeat bride you are, just remember, you have options. And as long as you feel confident about your choice, you will look beautiful with whatever you choose to carry.

How do I make a budget bouquet? ›

Wedding Flowers On a Budget: 15 Ways to Save on Flowers
  1. Create a Realistic Flower Budget. ...
  2. Buy Wholesale Flowers and Save Big. ...
  3. Arrange Your Own Wedding Flowers. ...
  4. Strike a Balance with Your Wedding Flowers. ...
  5. Keep An Open Mind. ...
  6. Use In-Season Flowers. ...
  7. Take Advantage of Statement Blooms that Fill Space.

Is bouquet toss outdated? ›

In an effort to prevent this invasive situation, the bride would throw her bouquet and leave the vicinity. Of course, the original meaning behind the bouquet toss has become obsolete, but many couples still incorporate the activity today.

Is it okay to not do a bouquet toss? ›

This is entirely up to preference. If the person who catches the bouquet wants to keep it (and the bride wants to give it up), they totally can. If not, many newlyweds opt to either give their arrangements to guests as favors or donate the flowers to a charity the next day.

Is buying flowers sustainable? ›

A sustainably sourced flower is a fresh cut flower that is not treated with pesticides and can be found, grown, and sold locally. One reason that cut flowers may not be considered sustainable is that they require too many resources and transportation to get to their destination — especially bouquets.

What is the carbon footprint of a bouquet of flowers? ›

A locally grown bouquet using 15 stems of outdoor grown flowers had a carbon footprint of 1.71kg/CO2.

Is it Unethical to buy flowers? ›

Aside from the fact that cut flowers die within days (unlike your eternal love), they can also be riddled with pesticides, be sourced from countries using unethical labor, and lack the quality control measures that keep them from being environmentally destructive.

Are flowers good for the environment? ›

They promote a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity, serve as a food source, and nourish their surrounding environment. Taking time to choose the most appropriate blooms to plant in an area and allowing native flowers to thrive is a great service to the environment.

What are the disadvantages of floral design? ›

Floral designers can experience stressful working conditions during peak holiday seasons, such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas. They are also pressured to meet unforeseen deadlines when additional or last-minute orders are made for birthdays, funerals and other occasions.

How much should a bouquet of flowers be? ›

We found the prices of bridal bouquets could vary considerably from $60 to as high as $965 each. The average cost of one was $175.
...
Average wedding flower costs.
Common floral items for weddingsLow-pricedHigh-priced
Bridal bouquet$60$965
Bridesmaids' bouquets (each)$60$65
Flower girl crowns$35$40
5 more rows
Aug 11, 2021

What is the average amount of flowers in a bouquet? ›

How Many Flowers Do I Need to Make a Bouquet?
ArrangementStem Count for Small ArrangementStem Count for Medium Arrangement
Peony Bouquet3-4 Stems6-9 Stems
Garden Rose Bouquet3-4 Stems6-9 Stems
Hydrangea Bouquet2-3 Stems4-5 Stems
Rose Bouquet8-12 Stems18-20 Stems
2 more rows

When should you not buy flowers? ›

10 Times It's Better NOT to Send Flowers
  • Anniversary. A framed photo of the couple is a great idea because it "allows the couple to see themselves together through someone else's eyes and commemorates that one moment in time," says Swann. ...
  • Birthday. ...
  • Congratulations. ...
  • Get Well. ...
  • Housewarming. ...
  • Apology. ...
  • New Baby. ...
  • Sympathy.
Jul 8, 2015

Are Fake flowers more eco friendly? ›

For single use, fresh flowers are the greener floral option.

From production to disposal, a faux flower bouquet that is only used once is responsible for about 2.5 times more greenhouse gas pollution.

Are dried flowers better for the environment? ›

They are Sustainable

They are also much less wasteful than fresh blooms, which last a significantly shorter length of time than dried. The fact that they don't wilt or require any water makes dried flowers a great-smelling, thoughtful gift that's so much better for the environment.

What role do flowers play in ecosystem? ›

Flowering plants help to purify water and prevent erosion through roots that holds the soil in place, and foliage that buffers the impact of rain as it falls to the earth. The water cycle depends on plants to return moisture to the atmosphere, and plants depend on pollinators to help them reproduce.

What are three types of floral design? ›

The concept of harmony helps to create a pleasing finished design. Each flower has a distinctive 3-dimensional form (shape). It is usually either a point, spherical, line, or transitional form. Flower forms all have a width, height and depth.

What is the single most important element of floral design? ›

Color is perhaps the most important element out of all the elements because that is what most people notice. wheel. The third element is form. Form includes three things height, width and depth.

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