This blog post was written by Gwen Merry and Aranee Mahendiran, members of WHEN’s volunteer editorial team, and edited by Victoria Lewis.
WHEN advocates for all women, trans, cis, and Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) individuals. For the purposes of this blog post, the term ‘women’ shall refer to those with ovarian reproductive systems and/or those who identify as women, recognizing that both sex and gender affect one’s vulnerability to the impacts of toxic exposure in the home.
On Mother’s Day, many of us take part in the tradition of showing appreciation for the women who guide and support us by gifting beautiful bouquets of flowers. However, behind this gesture is a lesser-known reality.
The cut-flower industry carries significant environmental and health consequences, including:
Conventionally grown flowers utilize chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides) which harm flower farmers, florists, the land, and can pollute nearby water sources. Chemical residue on flowers can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), an indoor air pollutant.
Excessive water consumption from growing flowers (a single rose stem requires upwards of 7 litres of water to grow).
After the flowers are harvested, they are imported from many places around the world. Global transportation and refrigeration to keep cut flowers fresh produce large amounts of carbon emissions and contribute to outdoor air pollutants. In 2024, Canada imported $222.4 million in cut flowers and flower buds for bouquets or ornamental purposes, primarily from the U.S, Colombia, and the Netherlands.
The plastic Polypropylene or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) film that bouquets are wrapped in and the green floral foams which are used to hold arrangements are both sources of microplastics. Microplastics break down into smaller pieces but don’t disappear, build up in our waterways, bioaccumulate (absorb into our bodies faster than it can be excreted) and biomagnify (increase in concentration as it moves up the food chain).
Exposure to microplastics1 and VOCs are linked to endocrine-disruption (affecting hormonal balance), can negatively impact reproductive health (impairing fertility and ovarian functions, affecting hormone levels and embryo development), and increase health risks for children. Stronger regulations against plastic and pesticides are essential for intergenerational health protection.
One of the ways we can reduce our chemical exposure and environmental degradation is by choosing more sustainable gift options, so we have included some ideas below that are more conscious of our health and environments.
Seasonal flowers from local farms that use sustainable growing methods to limit both emissions and waste.
Greenbelt flower farms directory (Ontario).
Slowflowers is another useful resource to locate local and sustainable flowers near you (Canada).
Purchase flowers from local farmers markets where farms might have their own booths.
Indoor plants which help to reduce VOC’s and dust.
Outdoor plants or trees: gifts that grow, absorb carbon, and create lasting habitat.
Gift native wildflower adoptions which can restore shoreline soils, support pollinators, and reduce runoff.
Local places to purchase seeds in Toronto:
Urban Harvest: Toronto-based, organic seed and seedling shop with the goal to promote ecological diversity and preserve the health of our planet
Toronto Seed Library: Several locations are listed across Toronto for folks to donate and pick up seeds! See their websites for locations, contact, and hours of operation.
Toronto Botanical Garden Shop: Connects people with plants with their plant and seed selection in North York.
Make your Mother’s Day celebration a statement for health, equity, and the planet by making sustainable, health-conscious purchases.
This Mother’s Day, honour a mother, grandmother, mentor, or a loved one who has passed by making a donation to WHEN in their name. Your gift directly supports our work to share accessible information on reducing environmental toxic exposures, and to advocate for stronger protections for women’s and environmental health. By supporting this work, you’re helping create healthier environments for current and future generations.