Organic Florists for the Eco-Centric
Ordering Flowers From an Organic Florist Online is Simple
Jun 29, 2009
Organic Bouquet is committed to the highest environmental and social standards. You may be asking yourself why we need organic flowers if we’re not going to be eating them. Good question, but the answer requires a little background. The fair trade movement is growing fast as more and more concerned citizens worldwide are becoming increasingly interested in the work conditions of farmers and the farming practices that preserve the environment for future generations.
Seventy percent of all flowers sold in the United States are grown in Colombia and Ecuador, according to the US Department of Agriculture. On average, each rose grower in Ecuador uses three poisons to kill worms, four to kill insects and six to control fungi. Many of these chemicals are tightly restricted in the United States because of their threat to human health.
Flower Farmers
Nearly 60 percent of the floral workers surveyed experienced symptoms of chemical poisoning such as headaches, dizziness, hand-trembling and blurred vision. (Environmental Health Perspectives 2002) Many of the workers are exposed to these chemicals while working in greenhouses where over 100 different chemicals are regularly used in enclosed spaces. "Organic flowers are not about us," says Gerald Prolman,Organic Bouquet's founder. "They are about the health of workers and the planet itself.”
Converting the Land to Organic
Prolman and his crew have helped convert 20,000 acres of farmland in five countries to producing organically. By doing so they have eliminated the use of millions of pounds of chemicals. But it goes well beyond this. The term “organic” tells you something about the conditions under which the product was grown. But, like conventionally grown flowers, it does not promise the crops were grown under fair labor standards or in a healthy work environment.
Prolman’s company, Organic Bouquet, is certified by Veriflora the new eco-label certification standard for the floral industry, which was masterminded by Prolman. When you purchase flowers that are both “organic” and “Veriflora” you are not merely supporting sustainable farming but are also reassured the field workers receive overtime pay, health benefits and are working in a safer, chemical-free environment.
A Healthier Future for Flower Bouquets in our Homes
"This is an excellent example of how the private sector can promote economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems by reducing resource degradation, pollution and waste," says Brennan Van Dyke, Regional Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. "It is this sort of inspiration and leadership that will hopefully allow mankind to meet the immense environmental challenges of the coming century." Every flower counts: Increasing sales of certified organic flowers gives the market notice that more organic flowers need to be grown, which makes more flower farms convert to using organic agricultural methods.
"The cost was competitive,a dozen Crown Majesty roses sold for $39.95, "says Dr. William Buzbuzian, a California Chiropractor who orders bouquets regularly for his office. "The roses were a creamy, royal pink and looked great for over a week." Organic Bouquet donates proceeds to many charitable organizations including Project Hope, Care, Working Assets and Amnesty International.
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