Bloomin’ Flower Cards
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03. 1.06
Not exactly an unique idea, but Bloomin' Flower Cards have been into it for over a decade, so they're no johnny-come-lately. What idea? Whoops, sorry, forgot. Imbedding seeds into greeting cards, so that you can plant them in the garden, where they'll germinate, sprout, and blossom into purty flowers. Bloomin’ use “100% post-consumer paper, soy-based inks, and organic pigments” And they’ve got the experience in setting the presses and drying to optimum levels to give those seeds their best chance of bursting forth. “When planted, each handmade seed paper sheet acts like mulch to retain moisture for the seeds.” Plus the variety of seeds used should ensure successful plantings across the US. If the triple bottom line can be said to ensure that consideration is given not only to profit, but also planet and people, then Bloomin’ have this third base covered too. They employ "differently-abled" individuals from their local region, having in the past earned “Employer of the Year" award from The Association of Community Living. ::Bloomin’ Flower Cards. Thanks to Tipster Johanna S. (She also liked kenaf fibre paper from Vision, who we'd mention back here.)
While I applaud their efforts at promoting a diverse and sustainable business I am afraid that Bloomin' Flower Cards and other products with embedded seeds (I've seen proposals for seeded toilet paper and disposable/plantable cell phone covers) have the potential to be an ecological disaster.
It is statements like this "We include a diverse and hearty mix of seed species to ensure growth across all growing regions" and the lack of seed information that have me highly concerned.
This is the kind of statement that strikes terror into the hearts of invasive species biologists everywhere. When planted in regions outside of their natural geographic range many plants (wildflowers and horticultural species included) can become pest species. The ecological and economic harm done by a handful of invasive plants can be dramatic.
My fear is that these cards (especially because they are able to be mailed anywhere under the radar of existing seed laws and plant quarantines) have the potential to distribute invasive plant seeds all over the world. (For a great example of plants spread in wildflower seed mixes both intentionally and unintentionally see this report by the University of Washington.)
Now these folks at Bloomin' Flower Cards and elsewhere may be aware of the problem but there are no statements about this on their website nor any geographically appropriate guides to card selection, no caveats about where cards can and cannot be sent, nothing. I would be happy to be proved wrong in this case or to see some changes to the way they promote their product.
Until then, my feeling is that the risk of invasive species impacts far outweigh any ecofriendly company policies. Not only are plant eradication efforts incredibly costly but also often require the use of pesticides to protect the ecosystems and resources at risk. For example, the state of Oregon has spent a considerable sum and several years treating a beautiful invasive wildflower/weed called Patterson's curse which invades pastures and grasslands. I can't imagine that this is the end result that any recipient of a seed filled greeting card intends. However, until more people are aware of problems associated with invasive species we face an uphill battle made more difficult by well intentioned products such as this.
I enjoy the vast scope of Treehugger posts but in this instance I have to step in with my two cents and argue that this (as it is represented) is not a product that is consistant with the environmental responsibility promoted by this site.
It may seem like a cute idea at first but has anyone considered the disasterous ecological effects of mailing one of these cards embedded with non-indigenous plant seeds and then planting them in sensitive and a unique and fragile ecology (like in Australia anf new zealand)?
Ongawi, It is a valid concern. For years I also worked in bush regeneration and conservation in Australia. Feral species were at one point considered by some scientists as the biggest environmental problem facing Australia's ecosystem. However as this ABC story, fresh from monday shows, we still sell the plants at local nurseries so the odd seed card would be but a drop in the ocean. Though your instinct is spot on.
It is a novel idea. But to be truly environmental friendly, use ecards instead. A staggering 744 million Christmas cards were delivered by the Royal Mail in UK in 2005. That is UK alone. Reduction of paper usage (either brand new or recycled) should be the goal. Check out ecards from jacquielawson.com, ojolie.com or americangreetings.com.
Americangreetings.com does have a print your card component which advocates the use of paper. The ecard site spreadingthelove.com is focused on getting rid of the use of paper completely.
Wow, this is actually quite a neat gift. My Silverdale florist would absolutely love receiving this as a gift for Christmas.
Wow, this is actually quite a neat gift. My Silverdale florist would absolutely love receiving this as a gift for Christmas.