At The Hiden Collective we only deliver Ethical & locally grown British flowers but on Valentine's week we will need to do an exception for some roses! But don't you worry we will make sure that we will source the most ethically grown red roses on the market. In fact we have sourced roses that are certified by Rainforest Alliance & Florverde Sustainable Flowers. The Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard protects ecosystems and wildlife habitats, conserves water and soil, promotes decent and safe working conditions similar to Fairtrade, and ensures that farms are good neighbours to rural communities and wild lands. Across the world approximately 255 millions roses will be grown just for valentines day and lots of them are produced in East Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda) and they count for 10% of East Africa's Exports. These countries do have an abundance of heat, sunshine and space but on the other side their flower production generate significant environmental impacts such as generation of greenhouse gases due to the transport, discharge to rivers affecting the local ecosystems and the massive demand on precious water resources. Flowers Certifications In the UK, approximately 60% of flowers are purchased from the supermarkets. The supermarket flowers have their pros and con:s - Supermarket flowers are normally Fairtrade, and because they buy directly from the grower they can influence standards in a positive way - Unfortunately supermarkets are also putting a lot of pressure on the farmer and their prices. At the moment, for example, you can purchase a Fairtrade rose from any supermarket shelve for only £0.30 each and this will definitely reflect in a not very favourable price for the grower. The Fairtrade certifications can definitely help you support farms that claim good practice. But unfortunately many of the East African country governments have attracted controversial investment from multinationals and so we have seen in the past protests that sometimes culminate in civil unrest like in 2016 in Ethiopia. Are Dutch roses better for the environment? An enormous amount of energy is required to grow roses in greenhouse in Holland but on the other side they have to travel less distance to reach the UK. Instead East African roses are able to grow under natural heat and light, but then they have to travel many miles and also they need to be chemically treated to be able to survive. And so the most important considerations when purchase Valentine's Roses is the carbon footprint, water use, chemical use, ecological degradation and also the social issues, including gender discrimination, health and safety standards, precarious employment and land rights. I know, lots to consider but rest assured that we will check on your behalf! Support Sustainable florists At The Hiden Collective we are passionate about sustainability and we will hope that this Valentines you will consider an alternative to a rose bouquet. Why not purchase one of our Ethically & Sustainable locally grown British bouquet, presented in a 100% Eco-Wrapping and delivered to your loved one in a Carbon-Neutral way. But if you prefer to buy Roses to express your love for people and the planet, please ask questions to your supplier of their origin.
