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When it comes to choosing wedding flowers, a little research can go along way. With help from VERT contributor and Gardenia Organic founder Hannah Ling, we’ve identified the three best options for securing fresh, green flora for your Big Day. |
Good
Look for flowers certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program. While the Food and Drug Administration monitors incoming food and seeds, imported flowers remain un-inspected, carrying as much as 50 times the pesticides found on produce. One-fifth of these pesticides and agrochemicals are known or probable carcinogens. Organic certification dictates that no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides can be used. Natural materials, however, like the organic insecticide cooper sulfite, which is classified as a poison by the US Environmental Protection Agency, is allowed. Another option: Fair Trade-certified flowers, which hit the market early last year. Trans Fair, the group that certifies coffee and chocolate products, prohibits the use of many (but not all) toxic agrochemicals and improves the working and safety conditions of laborers.
Better
An estimated seventy (70) percent of cut flowers are imported from third world countries where labor costs are low and conditions toxic. While you'll pay $.75-1.50 per stem (not including styling fees), the person who picked this flower probably made about $.58 an hour, earning less than the worker's regional minimum wage. To avoid this negative environmental and social impact, Ling recommends sourcing flowers certified by VeriFlora, the first eco-flower label in the United States. “When local flora and fauna aren’t a feasible option, always choose VeriFlora-certified to make sure the flowers have been grown using sustainable farming methods and materials, and fair labor practices,” Ling advises. Growers must either farm organically or develop a plan to transition to organic production to be considered AND there’s a quality component—something many certification systems leave out—to ensure the flowers don’t wilt after one or two days in the vase. The label is managed by Scientific Certification Systems, a third-party organization that also certifies lumber via the Forest Stewardship Council and fish through the Marine Stewardship Council. Thus far, more than 40 farms have achieved certification internationally. Still, Ling says, “the one downside of VeriFlora-certified flowers is that they usually have a large carbon footprint, as they’re shipped mostly from Central and South America to the US.”
Best
“The greenest option” according to Ling, “is to use as much locally grown product as possible—not only to reduce the carbon footprint, but also to support your local economy.” The average rose is marked up 100-200% to account for labor and transportation costs. Save time, stress and, in many cases, money by choosing local and native plants. The options for going local are endless. You can pick your own native flora and fauna for free, purchase farm-fresh blooms for less, grow your own centerpieces for pennies, or opt for double-duty potted plants (wedding favors!) or edible arrangements (appetizers!). Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, support regional ecosystems and require no pesticides in their natural environment. And you’ll get beautiful, fresh arrangements perfectly suited to your wedding date and location. What could be better than that?
