Where our flowers come from and how to shop more consciously
Most cut flowers in Austria do not come from Austria. They travel thousands of kilometres before they end up in a vase. That is something you should know - and then make a conscious choice.
Roses from Kenya, chrysanthemums from Colombia, tulips from Holland - the global flower industry is a billion-dollar business. The Aalsmeer flower auction in the Netherlands is the largest marketplace in the world: 20 million flowers and plants are auctioned there every day.
That is both impressive and problematic. Impressive because it gives us access to fresh flowers all year round. Problematic because the ecological and social costs often remain invisible.
Where do our flowers come from?
- The Netherlands - The world’s largest flower exporter. Tulips, chrysanthemums, gerberas, freesias. Much of it is grown in heated greenhouses, which require a lot of energy.
- Kenya and Ethiopia - Roses, especially in winter. Working conditions vary greatly from farm to farm. Fairtrade certifications help, but not all farms are certified.
- Colombia and Ecuador - Roses, carnations, hydrangeas. Long flight routes, but natural light (no greenhouse needed at the equator).
- Austria and Germany - Seasonal flowers in summer: sunflowers, dahlias, gladioli. Hardly any domestic production in winter.
The ecological footprint
The environmental footprint of flowers is more complex than many people think. Paradoxically, a rose from Kenya shipped by air can sometimes have a smaller CO2 footprint than a rose from a heated Dutch greenhouse - because natural sunlight and warmth are used in Kenya.
The biggest environmental impacts of the flower industry:
- Energy consumption - Heated greenhouses in Northern Europe require enormous amounts of gas.
- Pesticides - Flowers are not eaten and are subject to less strict rules than food. Pesticide use is often high.
- Water consumption - In dry regions such as Kenya or Colombia, flower farming can put pressure on local water resources.
- Transport - Air freight from Africa to Europe causes significant CO2 emissions.
What can consumers do?
Buy seasonally: Tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn. Seasonal flowers require less energy and travel shorter distances.
Buy from a local florist: Local florists often source more regionally than large supermarket chains. And the bouquet is freshly arranged instead of being transported for days.
Choose Fairtrade flowers: The Fairtrade label guarantees fair wages and better working conditions on the farms. In Austria, Fairtrade roses are available in many supermarkets.
Potted plants instead of cut flowers: A houseplant lasts for years and does not need to be replaced every two weeks. More sustainable than buying cut flowers regularly.
Fairtrade and Certifications
There are several certifications for sustainable flowers:
- Fairtrade - Fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental standards. The best-known certification.
- MPS (Milieu Programma Sierteelt) - Dutch environmental certification for flower growers. Grades A to C.
- Rainforest Alliance - Focuses on environmental protection and biodiversity.
No certification is perfect, but certified flowers are generally better than non-certified ones. When in doubt, ask your florist where the flowers come from.
Fresh Flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Seasonal, fresh, and arranged with love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Flowers
It depends. Supermarkets are increasingly offering Fairtrade flowers, which is a positive step. But the flowers are often transported and stored for days, which reduces freshness. At a florist, you usually get fresher flowers with less packaging.
Not necessarily. Local flowers in summer (field-grown) are the most sustainable option. But local flowers from heated greenhouses in winter can have a worse carbon footprint than field-grown flowers from warmer countries. Buying seasonal is more important than buying local.
Potted plants, if you keep them long enough. An orchid that blooms for two years is more sustainable than a hundred roses over the same period. But cut flowers have their own value too — sometimes you simply need a fresh bouquet to lift the mood.
Houseplants at MoBlumen Vienna
The most sustainable choice: plants that last for years.
