For all of you planning to buy flowers this Valentine’s Day for your sweetie we’d like you to think of an alternative before going to your local florist. According to the Society of American Florists upwards of 85% and as high as 98% of the most common fresh cut flowers, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, etc., are imported mostly from South America. Afterwards, the flowers are delivered by truck or van from the florist to the customers’ home or office. Flowerpetal.com, a leading online flower retailer, has recognized these actions and is taking steps to offset not only its operations but also the shipping involved in delivering flowers to its customers. By working with Carbonfund.org and using their Carbonfree Shipping application, Flowerpetal.com was able to calculate the impact of shipment and delivery of flowers. Carbonfund.org then helped Flowerpetal.com offset the resulting CO2. Flowerpetal.com has taken other steps to educate on climate change, including encouraging its employees to utilize public transit, but the shipping of flowers was always their biggest challenge. The partnership with Carbonfund.org will continue through Valentine’s Day so keep them in mind for the future as well. For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas, visit our Gift Guide. ::Carbonfund.org ::Flowerpetal.com

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