Calculating the carbon footprint of cut flowers

As Hong Kong florists, it is crucial to be mindful of the carbon footprint of the flowers we provide to customers. The environmental impact of the floral industry, including transportation, refrigeration, and packaging, contributes significantly to carbon emissions. By taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations, such as sourcing locally grown flowers, using eco-friendly packaging, and optimising transportation routes, we can help mitigate the environmental impact of our business and contribute to a more sustainable future. By prioritising eco-friendly practices, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who are increasingly seeking sustainable options.

Calculating the carbon footprint of cut flowers involves considering various factors related to their production, transportation, and disposal. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Production Emissions:

   • Growing Conditions: Flowers are cultivated in greenhouses or open fields. The energy used for heating, cooling, and lighting contributes to emissions.

   • Water and Fertilizers: Irrigation and fertilization practices impact emissions. Water-intensive flower farming can lead to higher carbon footprints.

   • Pesticides and Herbicides: Chemical use affects the environment and adds to emissions.

2. Transportation Emissions:

   • Distance Traveled: Imported flowers often travel long distances by air or sea. Air transport emits significant CO2 due to refrigeration needs.

   • Refrigeration: Flowers are stored in refrigerated holds during transportation, consuming energy and emitting CO2.

   • Trucking: Even after arriving in the destination country, flowers may be trucked thousands of miles to reach local markets.

3. Processing and Packaging:

   • Packaging Materials: Plastic sleeves, cardboard boxes, and other packaging materials contribute to emissions.

   • Processing Facilities: Energy used in sorting, bundling, and preparing flowers for sale adds to the footprint.

4. Disposal Emissions:

   • Waste: Flowers that wilt or are unsold end up as waste. Decomposition produces CO2.

   • Chemical Runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers can leach into soil and water, affecting ecosystems.

5. Carbon Footprint Estimation:

   • Functional Unit: Calculate emissions per flower stem (e.g., kgCO2e/stem).

   • Data Sources: Studies provide estimates for different flower types and production methods.

   • Example: Dutch lilies and Kenyan gypsophila have higher emissions, while UK-grown lilies and snapdragons fare better1.

6. Consumer Choices:

   • Local vs. Imported: Locally grown flowers have lower transport emissions.

   • Sustainable Practices: Choose flowers from farms with eco-friendly practices.

   • Avoid Overconsumption: Buy what you need to reduce waste.

7. Offsetting Emissions:

   • Support Ethical Producers: Encourage sustainable flower farming.

   • Carbon Offsets: Consider offsetting emissions by supporting reforestation or renewable energy projects.

Conscious consumer choices can make a difference. While flowers bring joy, understanding their environmental impact empowers us to choose more sustainable options.