Huspen

Roses: A Sustainable Way to Your Heart?

written by Zoe Huspen

One particular holiday every year conjures images of chocolate, red hearts, and flowers. Many lovers purchase red roses as a sign of affection for their partner on Valentine's Day. Although roses are a pleasing sight, the journey they take to get to you comes with a hidden cost. The $2 billion dollars spent on flowers by Americans in 2019 were mostly roses that were transported from Latin America. Throughout the year, roses are flown to the United States on passenger planes. As Valentine's Day approaches, 30 cargo jets travel from Colombia and Ecuador to the United States every single day for a threeweek period, resulting in 15,000 tons of flowers to hand to your lover. These flights simultaneously bear symbols of love and environmental impacts. Fossil fuels power the engine of the plane and contribute greenhouse gas emissions to an already precarious climate situation that we find ourselves in. Transportation makes up 28 percent of emissions from the United States. Although roses are not the sole cause of these issues, they do contribute a carbon footprint of about 360,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Here is a quick guide if you are looking to reduce your environmental impact regarding the purchase of roses this Valentine's Day.

1.Shop locally! Similarly to the fresh produce at your local grocery store, it is environmentally friendly to buy flowers that are in season from a locally grown source. I would suggest supporting your local flower shops in the area, as this will largely reduce the environmental

impact of flower transportation. Abbott's Florist, Fleurish, and April's Florist are all local options if you find yourself in the Champaign-Urbana area.

2. Look at the labels. If shopping locally is not an option, there are numerous certifications in Latin American countries that will label flowers similarly to produce that is considered organic or cruelty-free. The main difference is these standards are based on adherence to environmentally friendly practices and other labor standards. Although these distinctions may be helpful when choosing flower purchases, it is important to keep in mind that these labels are not federally regulated and examined.

3. Create a homemade bouquet! If you are feeling particularly crafty this Valentine's Day, buying a small pot and seed from your local hardware store could grow a unique flower. What better way to share your admiration than something grown with a little water and a lot of love? (That is, if the climate of your backyard supports it.)