Making Every Bouquet Better

      When did the simple act of sending flowers become a huge moral conflict?

      About the same time buying chocolate did ;-)

      Personally, I think there are a heck of a lot of things you can easily send to people that are a lot better than flowers and have a better impact on the environment and the recipient.  If you haven't read my post Don't Send Flowers, please read that one first for some great ideas for alternative to flowers.

      Sometimes, though, flowers are just the most appropriate thing.  Sometimes, you know someone who just really, really likes to get flowers.  And really, what difference does it make? 

      Actually, it makes a big difference.  The traditional flower industry is guilty of a wide variety of sins against the environment and human rights.  Green Lifestyle Magazine captured it fairly well in this article, saying:

"According to the International Labor Rights Fund, flower workers are exposed to more than a hundred different pesticides, including some that are either prohibited or restricted in the U.S. and Europe. Pesticide poisoning is responsible for neurological problems, birth defects, miscarriages, and more.  The combination of toxic exposure, human rights abuses, and environmental contamination in the flower industry is a sad and ugly example of greed and mistreatment."

      Thankfully, in there are people and companies out there who embrace BOTH capitalism AND social justice/global ethics.  And some of those people grow flowers.  If you're going to order flowers, please do it from one of these sites:

Organic Bouquet

or

Organic Style

      I don't recommend one site over the other.  As a matter of fact, I suspect the sites are linked, because the flowers available on each of them are nearly identical.

      I had the opportunity to browse through these sites recently since my mom's birthday is fast approaching, and we really wanted to send her something at work.  The selection they offered was absolutely wonderful, and the price range was very reasonable and competitive with less ethical sites.

      Now, I still perfer to send gifts that won't die in a week or two, and both of these sites offer many such options.  They offer plants and wreaths like these:

They have a bunch of gorgeous herb wreaths

We chose a bromilead for my mom.

There are a bunch of fruit trees available.

I'm totally in love with this little Tuscan Olive Tree

And how sweet is this little trio of saplings?

      And Gift Baskets:

How adorable are these cookies?

It even appears to be humane cheese!!

      And, finally, if what you really want to give is just a beautiful bouquet, you can't beat Flowers for Good.  With Flowers for Good, 5% of the purchase price is donated to a charity:

There are more than just roses, but I happened to like these charities...

      While I would still rather send different gifts that also have a positive impact, if I'm going to send flowers, these are some darned good options.

*** I was not asked to write this post, nor have I been compensated in any manner.  That said, if either site wants to give me one of those adorable wreaths or plants, I would totally accept it!***