Planet Ark Pointers: roses may be red, but how green are they?
By Ashmeeta Subra 11 February 2025
In the first bloom of our Planet Ark Pointers series, we dig into the roots of the floral industry’s hidden environmental impact and share how to choose more sustainable flowers.
When we think about flowers, we often don’t consider the journey they take to reach us or the impact they have on the planet. Unfortunately, the floral industry does have an environmental footprint, including the way flowers are grown, how they’re transported and what they are packaged in before reaching us.
The carbon emissions of the floral industry are primarily driven by the importation of flowers from overseas, with around 50 per cent of all flowers sold in Australia being flown in from distant locations and up to 10 million roses flown into the country for Valentine's Day. Due to the long-distance journey of these flowers, they need to be refrigerated and stored properly to maintain freshness, which leads to greater fuel consumption and energy use.
To meet national biosecurity regulations, these flowers are often treated with chemicals to prevent the propagation of live plants and pests. However, these chemicals have been reported to cause health side effects for florists who handle large quantities of flowers daily. The increased use of pesticides in most large-scale commercial operations can also be harmful as these chemicals can contaminate water systems and harm local ecosystems.
This is without even mentioning the often-excessive use of packaging, which contributes to plastic waste. Many flowers are wrapped in soft plastics that aren’t biodegradable and generally end up in landfills. Some flower packaging includes layers of non-recyclable materials like cellophane, foam or synthetic netting, making it even harder to recycle or repurpose, further contributing to waste.
Another significant issue regarding waste is the flowers that go unsold and end up discarded due to fluctuating demand during seasonal periods and overproduction. While there have been increasing efforts to compost, reuse and preserve some of these blooms, there are still many flowers that end up in landfill and go to waste.
It's clear that the environmental costs of importing flowers, along with the chemicals used and waste generated by industry practices, highlight the need to rethink the demand for imported flowers. The good news is that by making better choices when gifting flowers, we can lessen the environmental burden and reduce the strain on natural resources while helping address the health and environmental concerns linked to current industry practices.
One key step in creating a positive impact is reducing the demand for imported flowers and embracing more sustainable alternatives. Here’s how you can choose flowers more sustainably:
Opt for natives or locally grown florals
Compared to the traditional imported flowers, Aussie native flowers are typically grown locally in their native habitat so they’re easier to care for and require less water, fertiliser and pesticides. You can consider native mix bouquets or potted natives, which can be planted later to support local biodiversity. Your local florist or native nursery would be more than happy to help you select a suitable bunch or potted plant.
When you choose locally grown flowers, you're supporting the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance transport and minimising the chemical use required to meet national biosecurity standards. Ask your florist directly or look for sourcing information labels that indicate locally grown flowers to ensure you're supporting local growers.
Gift plants in pots
As mentioned above, these are more lasting alternatives to bouquets as they can thrive in your garden or on your balcony for years with proper care. They make a great gift for a loved one and whether it’s a small succulent or a flowering native plant, there’s a perfect option to suit most people’s preference.
Potted natives are the best option compared to traditional flowers, as they can be planted in your backyard and contribute to healthier local ecosystems, attracting all sorts of native wildlife into your space. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving while helping the planet!
Go minimal with the packaging
Choosing flowers with minimal, recyclable or compostable packaging is a simple but impactful way to cut down on waste. Many florists are now moving toward alternative packaging such as paper or biodegradable materials, but you should only opt for these if you have systems in place to dispose of them responsibly by recycling or composting. Instead, why not skip the plastic packaging and fancy ribbons entirely and focus on the flowers.
Look out for ‘slow flower movement’ practices
The slow flower movement focuses on growing flowers sustainably and in a considered manner without chemicals and artificial interventions. By embracing this slow practice and purchasing from florists or growers who follow it, you're choosing healthier flowers for both the environment and consumers. The movement also promotes biodiversity by growing bee-friendly flowers that protect vital pollinators.
Try growing your own blooms
A great way to enjoy native flowers is to plant your own! You can start with varieties of Banksia which are well-suited for all parts of Australia. Plus, planting your own flowers allows you to appreciate and enjoy the fruits of your labour while contributing to local ecosystems. Here’s a quick guide for other suitable species to consider.
With background in international relations and marketing communications, Ashmeeta is excited to use her skills to encourage positive environmental actions through Planet Ark. She believes that by taking small actions, we can help make a big difference and be good stewards of our planet. She also loves spending time in nature and being at the beach.
