Environmental Impact of Fresh Flowers

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FRESH FLOWERS ***** 45% of cut flowers in the US die before they are sold. 80% of fresh flowers are grown $6.2 BILLION outside the US and fly in via carbon Americans spend about $6.2 billion on cut flowers every year. emitting refrigerated airplanes. TOXIC CARBON EMISSIONS CHEMICALS A single bouquet of fresh flowers produces 12.4 kg of carbon emissions. Part of this is due to the refrigerated airplanes in which fresh flowers travel Pesticides and chemical fertilizers used in the production of fresh flowers contaminate the soil and cause which cause 60 times more carbon severe health problems for workers. emissions than cargo ship. PLASTIC PACKAGING Cut flowers are often wrapped in cellophane or other plastics for transport. Plastic vials are used for watering and toxic floral foam is used for arranging. Most of these plastics are non-recyclable and will end up in a landfill. IMPACT OF FRESH FLOWER ALTERNATIVES 15 10 5 Fresh Flowers Rent Faux Flowers Sola Wood Flowers Impact measured in CO2 emissions per bouquet https://silkstemcollective.com/eco-friendly-wedding-flowers-carbon-footprint-study/