Green is the new color of love this Valentine’s Day

Nothing beats the traditional bouquet of red roses as far as Valentine’s Day gifts are concerned.

Florists sell nearly 200 million each year on America’s most romantic of days.

Unfortunately, most conventional roses are grown using loads of pesticides, not only harmful to those who grow them, but those who handle them as well.

“Beautiful roses that come from Ecuador with large heads are being fed a lot of pesticides, being sprayed with a lot of pesticides and that causes multiple sclerosis, all kinds of neurological diseases especially amongst florists,“ explained florist Dokhl Mirmirani.

Mirmirani, who owns Jasmine Blue, an eco-friendly florist shop in Sherman Oaks, California says there are alternatives. 

She advises asking the florist for organic buds with Veriflora certification whenever possible.

“They benefit themselves in terms of having it in their house around their animals, around their kids, around themselves,“ Mirmirani said.  “So they have something that’s not toxic.“

If you’re looking for other ways to pamper your sweetheart when it comes to flowers, why not give a living plant?

It’s something good for the environment and will help convey that message 365 days a year.

If you have an old vase, use it. 

Most florists will give you a discount if you bring in your own. 

Also consider leaving the plastic wrap behind by looking for more environmentally friendly ways to present your Valentine’s bouquet.