4 Questions to Ask Before Your Next Bouquet: Smart Shopper’s Guide to Sustainable Flowers

4 Questions to Ask Before Your Next Bouquet:  Smart Shopper’s Guide to Sustainable Flowers

Buying flowers should be a feel-good experience—fresh colors, uplifting scents, a little bit of nature’s magic right in your hands. But have you ever stopped to think about where those flowers come from and what kind of impact your purchase has?

In the world of floral commerce, not all blooms are created equal. If we want our flowers to truly spread joy, we need to start asking the right questions.

Before your next purchase, consider these four key factors:

1. How Far Have Your Flowers Traveled?

That bouquet you just picked up—where did it come from? Unlike food, flowers aren’t required to list their country of origin. A single bouquet might include stems from multiple continents, making its carbon footprint difficult to track. Many flowers travel thousands of miles before landing in your vase, which means high energy use, refrigeration, and transportation emissions. Whenever possible, opt for locally grown flowers. In Palm Springs, look for fresh plants from regional growers or consider drought-tolerant alternatives like succulents and cacti—both stunning and sustainable.

2. Were They Ethically and Sustainably Produced?

Sustainability matters. Not all flowers are grown with ethical labor practices or environmental responsibility in mind. Certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Certified American Grown indicate that a grower adheres to strict labor and environmental standards. The best part? Sustainable flowers only cost about 1.5% more to produce than conventional ones. That’s a small price to pay for flowers that align with our values.

3. Who Benefits From Your Purchase?

Most of us buy flowers from supermarkets, online retailers, or local florists. Supermarket flowers might be convenient, but low prices can come at the expense of fair wages for workers. Some grocery chains, like Whole Foods, have sustainability initiatives like the Sourced for Good program, which supports ethical farming practices. Local florists and farmers' markets often have closer relationships with their suppliers, so don’t hesitate to ask where their flowers come from. In Palm Springs, we encourage shopping at small, independent florists (like Plant This!) or choosing locally sourced plants that thrive in our desert environment.

4. How Can You Reduce Waste?

Flowers bring beauty, but their packaging and disposal can generate a lot of waste. Here are a few ways to keep your floral footprint small:

  • Ask for minimal or recyclable packaging.

  • Bring your own vase instead of relying on plastic or foam.

  • Consider potted plants, like succulents, that last for years rather than days.

  • Follow proper care instructions to extend the life of cut flowers.

  • Start a home garden for a sustainable, long-term floral fix.

If you’re in Palm Springs and looking for an eco-friendly floral alternative, why not explore the beauty of succulents and drought-tolerant plants? They’re low-maintenance, long-lasting, and perfect for desert living.

About the author:  Sam Page is a writer, trainer, and local guide in Palm Springs. 

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