You may or may not be aware of the fact that the majority of the flowers we buy are imported from developing countries – in particular countries like Ecuador, Columbia and Kenya, who are crucial producers in the flower trade business.

Most of us aren’t aware of or perhaps care how some of the flowers we buy from these flower importers end up in our loves ones hands in the form of beautiful bouquets or table centerpieces for our homes and offices.  Yet some flower producing countries have been producing some of the best looking flowers at the expense of its workers.

“Although imported flowers are less expensive for American consumers, they come at a steep price for Colombian workers. Wages are below what is needed to support families, many workers are exposed to dangerous pesticides, and workers find it difficult to form independent labor unions…” as reported in an article in Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. 

To combat unfair and abusive labor practices non profits such as TransFair USA with the Fair Trade Certified Labelling has been empowering communities by cultivating a more equitable global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, consumers, industry and the earth. They achieve their mission by certifying and promoting Fair Trade products.

In recent years Fair Trade Certified products have been gaining popularity amoung consumers in the U.S. for such products as coffee, tea, sugar, honey wine and flowers.

“The US market for Fair Trade products has surpassed $730 million and grows more than 50% each year… ” according to Trans Fair USA.

Fair Trade certification on flowers guarantees that growers meet strict social and environmental standards and that workers receive a premium to invest in community development. When you buy FTC flowers a portion of each purchase goes directly to a community development fund for projects that fund scholarships, housing, health clinics, and micro-enterprises.

Buying flowers that are Fair Trade certified means you can impact the lives of farmers and workers and change the world by promoting fair labor practices and helping build stronger communities.

You can buy Fair Trade Certified flowers from online flower retailers like 1-800-Flowers.com!, FTD, and Sam’s Club Online. You can also find Fair Tade Flowers at your neighborhood supermarket. Just luck for the label or ask for Fair Trade Certified flowers where you shop.

What does your living space look like? Is it trendy with the latest European style furniture with stainless steel appliances or is it more like a country cottage with lots of wood finished artifacts. 

Much like people, homes have different personalities too.  Your home no doubt probably fits your personality and taste.

You can add floral elements to your home by simply choosing flowers that complement the persoanlity of your home. According to AboutFlowers.com and the Society of American Florists, home decorating personalities tend to fall into five categories.

American Country – characterized by a home that is comfortable, easy and inviting. What type of flowers look the best?  A simple vase of mixed spring flowers (yarrow, wild roses, scabiosa, heather). 

Casual Easy Living – the casual living lifestyle that focus on the simple pleasures of life. The right flowers can include flowering and green plants like cyclamen, kalanchoe, or pothos, or flowers such as sunflowers, daisies, hydrangea, delphinium or tulips.

Classic Traditional – These home styles have elements that include classic furnishings and antiques. What type of flowers look the  best? A mixture of flowers such as roses, gladiola, iris, carnations, lilies or snapdragons with accents such as dried fruit and foliage.  

Modern Contemporary – Characterized by sleek and chic styles, smooth surfaces and form. What might look good?  Flowers that are bold, and exotic like anthuriums, heliconia, callas, orchids that work well to complement the modern contemporary home’s clean, open spaces.

Victorian - A home that creates a feeling of softness and romance. Flowers that compliment this home style  are fragrant flowers like roses, spray roses, peonies, gardenias, freesia in pale peach, lavender, pink, yellow and cream which conjure images of romance and sensuality.

Need to add floral arrangements to your home style. Visit your local florist or visit an online florist.

What style is your home?