FLOWERS GO ECO!

On Sunday I went to a beautiful Eco-bridal event, hosted by Wisteria Lane Flowers in an historic beach house in Malibu. Aside from the dreamy location, it was fun to see how easy it is for a bride-to-be, to have a more eco-conscious wedding. I guzzled down a few of eco-chef, Akasha’s (LOVE!), peanut butter brittle cupcakes, and had a mini makeover by Kelly from the fabulous Organic Pharmacy, but what really caught my attention were the flowers. After chatting to our host, Sherene, who is an extraordinary florist, I realized that here’s a woman who takes an extremely unusual approach to flowers. Here’s what she has to say:

“On September 30th when the airports in Ecuador were closed, there was a lot of hand wringing in the conventional flower markets in America. In spite of worker abuse and wanton use of pesticides and fungicides, Ecuador remains one of America’s largest rose importers.

Many people don’t realize is that our expressions of love and gratitude are produced on the backs of a predominantly female work force that toils for very little pay while working under trying and often dangerous conditions. While I do not support violence or attempts to subvert the democratic process, I did cheer when I heard that there was an “imported rose crisis” at the flower mart in LA.

Those of us who live in California are blessed with an abundance of flower choices. California grown roses that are Veriflora certified are every bit as beautiful (or better) as their South American substitutes. The farms that produce these flowers use minimal if any non genocidal pesticides, control run off and ensure farm worker safety. I find it hard to understand the obsession with imported roses that are hybrid to death – they literally look like those awful plastic roses one finds around town. They have long straight stems, no scent, fade before they open and are more expensive than the locally grown roses.

One can hope that the attempted coup in Ecuador will in some small way help American consumers to take another look at locally grown flowers and appreciate all the benefits of buying eco-friendly local produce.”

There are many ways that you can support organic flower farming. Take a look at Organic Bouquet – they deliver Nationally and have the most gorgeous fall wreaths. If you happen to live in California, you’re in luck because Sherene from Wisteria Lane will create an arrangement that you’ll never forget. BTW organic flowers last much longer and I love that Sherene adds succulents to almost all her arrangements – clever because when some of the other flowers are done, she makes sure that the basic arrangement will last for months.