Transient Blossoms' Environmental Footprint: A Look at the Effects of Imported Blossoms
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, society has been given a unique opportunity to reevaluate our actions and their impact on the world around us. One area where this reexamination is particularly relevant is the flower industry, which has traditionally relied heavily on long-distance transportation and mass production. However, there is a growing movement towards a more sustainable approach, spearheaded by organisations like Slow Flowers. This initiative connects local flower farmers with florists, promoting the use of seasonal, domestically grown flowers. Many flower growers in the United States are now practicing season extension, planting flowers that can withstand the winter and ensuring their roots are established for the springtime. This shift towards local production is not without its challenges. Growers in Kenya, Colombia, and Ecuador, for example, have had to lay off farmworkers or reduce their hours due to the financial losses caused by the pandemic. The transportation of flowers, particularly those flown in from equatorial nations, has a significant environmental impact. Carmen Parrado-Moreno, a researcher who analysed the production and shipment of chrysanthemum stems to markets in Miami or London, found that environmental certification does not necessarily reduce the transportation footprint. The United States Customs and Border Protection processed 7.1 billion flower stems in 2018, with 6.2 billion coming through Miami alone. Approximately 75% of cut flowers sold in the United States originate in Colombia. The demand for these overseas flowers has led to a rapid shift in the global industry, with countries like the Netherlands, once the world's largest producer of cut flowers, now relying heavily on imports from equatorial countries. The environmental and health impacts of this shift are significant. Pesticide use in flower farms in equatorial nations has been linked to environmental and health issues, including the drying up of Lake Naivasha and the die-offs of fish populations, reproductive issues in workers, and developmental delays or deformities in children. In contrast, local flower farms offer a more sustainable alternative. Physical markets, like the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, showcase local farms and facilitate trade with regional florists. The demand for local flowers has surged during the pandemic as consumers become more aware of the cost of transporting flowers from overseas. In addition, the carbon footprint of refrigeration and shipping once the flowers land is not included in Parrado-Moreno's assessment. However, other growers are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Some heat their greenhouses for only a few months out of the year or use carbon-neutral or low carbon methods. The pandemic has also led to innovative solutions within the flower industry. Florists have been donating their supply to nursing homes or churches before they wilt due to decreased demand. An online directory was created in 2014 to link florists with local growers of organic, seasonal flowers. As society continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the flower industry offers a compelling example of how we can rebuild in a more sustainable way. By supporting local flower farms and embracing a more mindful approach to floral arrangements, we can create a more environmentally friendly and healthier world.
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