The Complete Guide to the Carbon Footprint of Flowers

Flowers bring beauty and joy to our lives, but their environmental impact is more complex than many realize. This guide explores the carbon footprint of the floral industry and what you can do to make more sustainable choices.

Understanding the Carbon Footprint of Flowers

The carbon footprint of flowers encompasses greenhouse gas emissions from:

• Growing (energy for heating greenhouses, fertilizers, pesticides)

• Transportation (air freight, refrigerated trucks)

• Storage (cold chain maintenance)

• Retail (shop refrigeration and waste)

The Numbers

The carbon footprint varies dramatically depending on origin and season:

• Locally grown, seasonal flowers: 0.1-0.5 kg CO₂e per bouquet

• Domestic greenhouse flowers (heated): 2-4 kg CO₂e per bouquet

• Imported flowers (air-freighted): 3-9 kg CO₂e per bouquet

For context, a gallon of gasoline produces about 8.9 kg of CO₂ when burned.

Major Contributors to Flower Carbon Emissions

1. Air Transportation

This is often the largest factor. Approximately 80% of flowers sold in the US are imported, primarily from Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya. Air freight generates 50-150 times more emissions than sea freight per kilogram.

High-impact flowers typically air-freighted:

• Roses (especially out of season)

• Orchids

• Lilies

• Tulips (when not locally in season)

2. Heated Greenhouses

Growing flowers out of season in heated greenhouses can be extremely energy-intensive. In cold climates, winter greenhouse roses can have a higher carbon footprint than imported ones, depending on the energy source.

Energy use varies by:

• Climate zone

• Season

• Greenhouse technology

• Energy source (fossil fuels vs. renewable)

3. Refrigeration

Flowers require temperature-controlled environments throughout the supply chain. A typical rose travels through 3-5 refrigerated facilities before reaching consumers, each requiring continuous energy.

4. Agricultural Inputs

• Fertilizers: Production and use of synthetic fertilizers release nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas

• Pesticides: Energy-intensive to manufacture

• Water: Pumping and treatment require energy

• Soil heating: Some operations heat soil to extend growing seasons

Country-Specific Considerations

Netherlands

The world's largest flower exporter uses highly efficient greenhouse systems, but heating still requires significant energy. However, many Dutch growers use geothermal energy and combined heat and power systems, reducing emissions.

Colombia & Ecuador

These countries have natural advantages—high altitude and equatorial location mean minimal heating needed. However, most flowers are air-freighted to North America and Europe, adding 3-5 kg CO₂e per bouquet.

Kenya

Similar climate advantages to South America. Some Kenyan flowers travel by sea to Europe (lower emissions), but most to North America go by air.

California

Produces flowers with relatively low carbon footprints when sold locally and in season, but represents a small fraction of the US market.

The Surprising Paradox

Studies have shown that roses grown in Kenya and air-freighted to Europe can sometimes have a lower overall carbon footprint than roses grown in heated Dutch greenhouses during winter. This counterintuitive finding highlights that local isn't always lower-impact when energy-intensive heating is involved.

Seasonal Impact

Buying flowers in their natural growing season dramatically reduces carbon footprint:

Spring (March-May):

• Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilacs - low impact when local

Summer (June-August):

• Sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, peonies - lowest impact period

Fall (September-November):

• Chrysanthemums, asters, marigolds - moderate impact

Winter (December-February):

• Most flowers have high impact due to heating or air freight

• Exception: flowers from Southern Hemisphere in their natural season

Beyond Carbon: Other Environmental Concerns

Water Usage

Flower cultivation can be water-intensive. Some regions face water stress from flower farming, particularly in Kenya and parts of South America.

Pesticide Use

Flowers aren't food crops, so pesticide regulations are often less strict. Workers and local ecosystems can be exposed to harmful chemicals.

Labor Conditions

While not directly environmental, many flower workers face poor conditions and low wages.

Biodiversity

Large-scale monoculture farming reduces local biodiversity.

How to Reduce Your Flower Carbon Footprint

Buy Local and Seasonal

• Visit farmers' markets

• Join a flower CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

• Ask florists about local sources

• Check labels for origin

Choose Potted Plants

A living plant that lasts months or years has a much better carbon footprint per day of enjoyment than cut flowers.

Grow Your Own

Even a small garden or windowsill can produce herbs and flowers with virtually zero carbon footprint.

Select Sustainable Certifications

Look for:

• Veriflora (sustainability certification)

• Rainforest Alliance

• Fairtrade

• MPS (Dutch environmental program)

These don't guarantee low carbon but indicate better overall practices.

Ask Questions

Inquire at flower shops about:

• Where flowers are grown

• How they're transported

• Whether greenhouses use renewable energy

Consider Alternatives for Events

For weddings and large events:

• Use more greenery and branches

• Rent potted plants

• Choose wildflowers

• Use dried flowers or sustainable decorations

Timing Matters

If you must buy out-of-season flowers, those from the Southern Hemisphere (where it's their natural season) may be better than hothouse flowers from nearby.

The Future of Sustainable Floriculture

Promising developments:

• Renewable energy greenhouses: Solar, geothermal, and biomass heating

• Vertical farming: Reduced transport, controlled environments

• Sea freight alternatives: Improved cold chain technology for slower shipping

• Carbon labeling: Some retailers beginning to show emissions data

• Sustainable breeding: Varieties requiring less heat and fewer inputs

Making Informed Choices

The carbon footprint of flowers isn't always intuitive. A rough hierarchy from lowest to highest impact:

1. Locally grown, in-season flowers (best choice)

2. Potted plants

3. Domestic flowers, out of season but from renewable-energy greenhouses

4. Imported flowers from equatorial regions by sea freight

5. Imported flowers by air freight

6. Domestic hothouse flowers in winter using fossil fuel heating (often highest)

Florist guide

Flowers will never be a major contributor to personal carbon footprints compared to transportation, diet, or home energy use. However, the global cut flower industry produces an estimated 3-5 million tons of CO₂ annually. By choosing seasonal, local flowers and supporting sustainable growers, consumers can enjoy flowers while minimizing environmental impact.

The most sustainable flower is one that brings joy without requiring heated greenhouses or air freight—usually meaning local and in season. When that's not possible, understanding the trade-offs helps make better choices aligned with your values.