Are these eco?

It’s easy to argue that all methods of winter flower growing in heated greenhouses are bad because they all require a lot of energy. I’ve wrestled with data to find a Co2/stem ‘cost’ for winter flower production here. The data is so complicated, there are so many variables, different terms of reference and no comparables it’s simply not possible (yet!), but here is some food for thought…

Are these eco? What do you think?

These beautiful tulips are grown in Lincolnshire in heated greenhouses, which are mostly heated with biomass boilers. This renewable energy is more efficient than oil or gas and generates much less Co2. Tulips are often grown in Hydroponic systems which efficiently use water and chemical inputs. British flower farmers have to comply with stringent British regulations of chemicals and our employment laws. And cows eat the spent bulbs! Who knew?!

The alternatives? Flowers grown in Europe, also in greenhouses, using energy to heat, process and transport these perishable products here by air. Did you know that short haul flights emit more Co2 per kilometre than long haul?!

Or there are those flowers grown in the tropics, often greenhouses and require energy to control heat, Irrigation, production and processing (packing and refrigeration). Kenya has invested heavily in hydroelectric but with irregular rain this power supply is also unreliable, then fossil fuel replaces it. Water and refrigeration requirements are high. Employment conditions are variable. Chemical use is often unregulated. These roses are then flown all the way to the UK, generating a huge carbon footprint.

I’ve been thinking of an analogy: if a packet of biscuits were made in a British factory powered by green energy, with zero waste and packaged in plastic-free wrap would they be eco? Or would they be ‘as bad’ as a packet of biscuits made in the tropics, using unknown ingredients, preservatives, unregulated labour and then flown here?! The British-made biscuits might not be as good as the organic craft-bakery in your local town but for most people, that’s not a product that they can access. Therefore I think that it’s fair to say that the most environmentally friendly winter flowers are those grown here, but as ever it’s shades of grey and not simple!