Sustainable alternatives to roses for Valentines Day

Buying roses, especially for holidays like Valentine’s Day, can have a significant negative environmental impact.

Roses are a summer flower that need a lot of sun and heat to grow, which is why they are grown mostly in other countries or in hyper-hothouses.

The carbon emissions of wintertime flowers outpaces that of nearly every single other perishable mainly because of the transportation of roses from farm to stores in (typically) under two days.

Please consider the following before purchasing roses for Valentines Day or any other day:

1. High Carbon Footprint

• Many roses are grown in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya, then flown to markets worldwide.
• The refrigeration and transportation process generates high carbon emissions.

2. Pesticide and Chemical Use

• Large-scale rose farms often use pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers that harm local ecosystems and pollinators.
• Runoff from these chemicals can pollute soil and water sources.

3. High Water Consumption

• Roses require significant amounts of water, especially in drought-prone regions where they are cultivated.
• Countries like Kenya, a major rose exporter, face water shortages partly due to intensive flower farming.

4. Waste from Packaging and Short Lifespan

• Most commercial roses (most flower bouquets, for that matter) are wrapped in plastic and packaged with non-recyclable materials.
• Cut roses last only a few days to a week, creating short-term waste.

5. Exploitation of Labor

• The floral industry often relies on low-wage workers in developing countries, sometimes under poor working conditions.
• Chemical exposure poses health risks to farm workers.

Sustainable, local alternatives

• Chocolates from Kilwins - local family-owned business and their chocolates are high-quality and an amazing treat. They produce thousands of chocolate-dipped strawberries for Valentines holiday too.
  
• Dried flowers for a longer-lasting gift
• Give the gift of deer-resistant bulbs - bulbs are starting to show on nursery and retail shelves right now - select the gift that grows!
• Potted indoor plants preferably in non-plastic container
• Native Plants - a gift certificate to a local nursery to be used this Spring supports local business and most native plants are drought tolerant and perform well in our climate
• Succulents in a non-plastic pot - these do so well in Colorado both indoors and out and are super easy to grow
• A box of pastries from Poulette Bake Shop in Parker - recognizes as one of the best bakeries in the United States by the New York Times! Order ahead or go very early to get best selection.
• Fresh baked cookies by Parker bakers - Dirty Dough, Chris's Custom Cookies, Crumbl Parker
• Beer from Hops Collective in Parker - offering gourmet gift baskets
  
• Anything from The LOCAL in Parker - all handmade Colorado gifts
  

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