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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Petra Stock

Roses are red, violets are blue: why Valentine’s Day flowers need a redo

Australia Environment
Composite image of flowers in a vase
About half of the fresh flowers sold in Australia are imported, with larger chemical and carbon footprints than locally grown bouquets. Composite: Getty Images

A dozen red roses may say “I love you”, but many conventional bouquets carry an environmental price, having been imported by air, dipped in chemicals and wrapped in plastic.

Valentine’s Day is second only to Mother’s Day for sales of cut flowers, a popular choice for the millions of Australians planning to buy gifts for that special someone.

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