Though many of us think about local and organic when it comes to the food we put in our bodies, we may not think about the origin or environmental impact of the flowers we give to our loved ones on Valentineā€™s Day. Every rose has its thornā€”and it probably comes with a heavy carbon footprint, too.
ā€œPeople who buy their produce locally donā€™t necessarily realize that buying local flowers is just as important,ā€ says Sandi McGinnis-Garcia of McGinnis Ranch, who grows both food and flowers in Watsonville.This Valentineā€™s Day, you can show your love for local farmers, farmworkers, and the environment by ditching the long-stem roses, thorns and all, and picking whatā€™s fresh and in season.