In his ethical living series, Guardian reporter Leo Hickman has taken a look at the Florist industry. The article can be read in full here: “Is it OK to buy cut flowers”

Article highlights include flower “trade from Kenya leads to 33,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year – meaning that the transit of each flower creates far more than its own weight in CO2 pollution.”

Leo pretty much concentrates on the negative aspect of carbon emmissions. He does not look at the positive aspects of employment and increased economy in countries of source. Without their flower exports, the  economies, incomes and standards of living in supplying countries like Kenya, would be hit hard.

In addition, surely its fair to say that its not just flowers that get shipped around the world by air travel? The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, huge percentages of everything we buy is sourced from overseas and all these things have an impact on carbon emissions.

But Is it OK to buy cut flowers? The answer has to be yes it is. It provides income for the countries of source. In addition sales of those flowers in the UK help to strengthen local businesses and communities. The continued support of local business helps to provide continued income and employment.

Should we buy British? Of course we should! Here are our best known locally grown varieties of flowers.

Daffodils
Roses
Lisianthus
Freesia
Bulbs