I have friends asking me, "So why are you selling flower bouquets?" and "What makes them different from what I can get at the local supermarket?"My friends have valid questions. And, the two questions are intricately linked.
First off, I'm a flower lover. Second, I'm an eco nut. I try to avoid plastics and grow organic. Also try to use recycled products when possible and continually look for new ways to lessen my environmental impact. Ohop Originals was a way that I could do all these things at the same time and provide fabulous flowers to people.
Many of the bouquets you find in the stores have been shipped in bulk from all over -- oftentimes from other countries. Many are wrapped in plastic, chock full of preservatives, and grown in less than organic conditions. In short, that beautiful store bought bouquet can have quite a negative environmental impact.That doesn't have to be the case. You can purchase local flowers that are planet happy. I can only speak for Ohop Originals, but here is what I strive for.
-
Great variety. Am growing many varieties from organic seed and trading tubers and starts with others in the community.
-
Seasonal bouquets. You get to experience what's growing at its peak.
-
Bees and butterflies. Local flowers provide lots of pollinating options for the bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
-
Recycle. We use recycled milk bottles and other pre-used vases for delivery.
-
Less fossil fuel. The flowers in your bouquet move from a nearby flower bed to your door, versus across country. And our deliveries are made the same day so that we use as little fossil fuel as possible.
-
Fresh. Flowers on your doorstop were picked the same day.
-
Less plastic. Very little plastic is used. And we work to reuse any plastic that is purchased.
-
Organic. We are committed to organic growing and avoid herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. This creates not just healthy flowers but also a healthy environment for birds, insects, pets and other critters.
And that's why I love growing and selling bouquets.
Di