Did you know, the majority of U.S. flowers are imported from countries where there are much less agricultural and labor regulations? Plus, did you consider the impact of these imported stems on the environment?

Commercially imported flowers in the U.S. are often grown in Columbia and Ecuador. The estimated 660 million stems, just from Columbia alone, are grown from industrial-scale, heated greenhouses that create massive contaminated water run off issues and disregard harmful chemical problems. Workers on these farms are exposed to unregulated chemicals in fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals to prolong vase life. Then, the long-haul, refrigerated planes, transporting these flowers over many days into the country, generate massive carbon emissions. Plus, the cross country transport of flowers via refrigerated trucks to wholesalers and florists leave a huge carbon footprint. In addition to environmental impact, these imported flowers are covered in chemicals to extend their flower life during the long trip into and around the country.