Flowers: Eco-labels to look for
To find fresh-cut flowers that were grown in environmentally and socially responsible ways, seek out those that carry the eco-labels profiled below. The labels can help ensure your purchase will benefit the planet and often the people who grew the flowers too.
 Organic flowers are grown without most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, or genetic modification. Growers also emphasize the use of renewable resources and conserving soil and water to enhance environmental quality. To find organic flowers, visit Organic Bouquet, California Organic Flowers, or Diamond Organics.* To learn more about this label, visit our free Eco-labels center.
 Veriflora flowers are grown using water-, soil-, and habitat-conservation measures. The use of pesticides and fertilizers is also restricted. Farm laborers are compensated and protected according to international, national, or locally recognized standards. For a list of products and to learn more about this label, visit Veriflora.*
 Fair Trade flowers are produced by farmers and workers in developing nations who receive a “fair” price for their product. Trade is done directly between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers. Crops are grown using soil and water conservation measures that restrict the use of harmful pesticides. To find Fair Trade Certified flowers, visit 1800flowers.com. To learn more about this label, visit our free Eco-labels center.
 Biodynamic flowers are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetic engineering, or animal by-products. Additionally, flowers may not be grown in areas subject to strong electromagnetic fields. To find biodynamic flowers, visit Organic Bouquet or Harms Vineyard and Lavender Fields.*
Local flowers. Particularly if you live in a temperate area, buying local flowers, which may or may not be certified, is another option. To find out if there’s a seller near you, check Local Harvest, a searchable database of local agricultural products.
*Please note the companies listed above have not been reviewed or rated by Consumer Reports for this report. Links are provided for informational purposes only.
RELATED LINKS:
A rose is a rose. Or not 2/07 (full reports available to subscribers only)
|
|
|
