Poster Sketch: Fresh Flowers

Spring is a time of flowers, not only because gardens and wild patches everywhere are blooming, but also because there are so many flower-friendly holidays. Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day are often considered an occasion to buy a bouquet, but many people don’t know the environmental and social impact of the gift they are giving.

The cut flower industry that provides so many beautiful bunches of flowers for consumers is about as natural as a plastics factory. While many companies try to compare the carbon footprint of greenhouse flowers vs. imported ones, other issues are overlooked. The perfection of a store-bought flower is achieved through the use of pesticides - some of which are banned in many countries - and irrigation. Water is diverted from the farms and villages that desperately need it, and used to feed luxury flowers that are unlikely to provide food for pollinating insects, let alone humans.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to give and enjoy flowers, while giving Mother Nature a break, too. Buying locally grown, in season flowers is one way to do it. And if you can’t grow your own flowers, you can always make them. This week’s Poster Sketch features a collection of handmade flowers that are free of DDT, and will never wilt.

Row 1:

Flower Bead in Antique Blue from Claybykim
Spring Flowers Pearl Necklace by gabbeyxxx
Spring Sunburst Bracelet by dreambeadweaver
Sunshine Yellow Poppy Ring by muchloveilly

Row 2:

French Beaded Tulips by Craftymoose
Couple of Florals Lampwork Bead Set by YasminSivan
Pistachio Green Romance Pearl Necklace by PoeticDesigns
Hand Forged Copper Flower Pendant by WabiBrookStudio

Row 3:

Blue Flower Red Thorns Bangle by njema
Felted Rose Flower and Crocheted Lariat by BigFrozenMelon
Blossom Focal Bead by pipsjewellery
Violet Necklace by roiaobrien

Row 4:

Rose Pink Flower Ring by blackdogwhitedog
Tropical Holiday Beaded Bracelet by Fivefootfury13
Red Wine and Freshwater Pearls Bib Necklace by AtelierEdytaLoukia
Pink Shpritzi Flower Polymer Clay Cane by marsdesign

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