9 Eco-Friendlier Alternatives to Cut Flowers

Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, graduation… Tis the season for flowers!

But behind all those pretty blooms lurks a less attractive backstory. Many of the flowers we buy at our local florist are grown thousands of miles away, often loaded with pesticides and harvested by underpaid, unprotected workers. The cut flowers are then flown in and rushed to the store in refrigerated containers, creating a massively oversized carbon footprint.

Locally grown flowers don’t carry the same magnitude of carbon cost as imported flowers, but even they still require a surprising amount of water and energy to grow in hothouses. I appreciate the beauty of a floral bouquet as much as anyone, but the environmental considerations in addition to the very short lifespan of cut flowers make them not so attractive anymore.

With all these reasons in mind, here are some eco-friendlier alternatives to cut flowers you may want to consider.

1. Potted Plants

A beautiful potted plant will last far longer than cut flowers. African violets, begonias, geraniums, and lipstick plants are all great choices. Most will say on the tag where they are grown so look for locally grown plants.

2. Hanging Flower Baskets

For spring and summer gift-giving occasions, a hanging flower basket is a beautiful choice that will brighten up the outside of the house. If you pick a basket filled with perennial flowers, the basket can be stored in the garage or basement over the winter and put out again next spring.

3. Cacti

I’ve heard that some people (I don’t want to name names…but it’s me, totally me) aren’t the best at remembering to water houseplants. Fortunately, many cacti or succulents make beautiful, hardy gifts too!

4. Seed Starter Kits

If your recipient has more of a green thumb, then a themed seed starter kit might make a lovely gift. This one contains edible flowers. and comes with seed packets, planters, soil discs, and markers.

5. Herb Gardens

For the foodie in your life, consider planting some of their favourite herbs (e.g., basil, thyme, mint, rosemary, lavender) in a pretty container so they’ll always have fresh herbs on hand to flavour their favourite recipes.

6. Bonsai Trees

Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing ornamental, dwarfed trees or shrubs. Did you know that some bonsai trees, if properly cared for, can live for hundreds of years? Talk about a symbol of everlasting love!

7. Silk/Fabric Flowers

Artificial flowers brighten up a room with literally no work required at all (well, maybe a good dusting once in a while). You can either send a beautiful pre-made arrangement or choose individual flowers and a unique vase to make your own. Look for flowers made in North America.

8. Wooden Flowers

For a more rustic look, consider an arrangement of hand painted wooden flowers.

9. Paper Flowers

Finally, if you’re the crafty type, consider making your own flower arrangement out of paper. The beautifully realistic tulips in the video below are made from crepe paper streamers from the dollar store.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.