As a wholesaler of bulbs, we are frequently asked how socially responsible Green Garden Flowerbulbs really is. Do we sell organic flower bulbs, for example? Do we operate sustainably, and how environmentally friendly is our company actually? In order to answer these questions properly, we will first explain a few things about the flower bulb sector.

The Netherlands is responsible for a large proportion of the world’s flower bulbs. It is important for entrepreneurs in the flower bulb sector to offer good quality flower bulbs from a healthy work environment.

The flower bulb sector has not always had a good reputation: agrochemical use was high and little attention was paid to sustainability concerns. Fortunately, that has all changed. Since the 1990’s targeted cultivation has resulted in bulbs and flowers that are less susceptible to disease and careful use of fertilisers ensures healthy growth whilst limiting leaching into the water ways. Farmers also flood their land to eradicate nematodes and other harmful soil organisms that could harm the flower bulbs without the needs for harmful pesticides and fungicides.

Growers still use small amounts of pesticides to protect the flower bulbs so that they are absolutely free from disease. These pesticides are subject to the same strict rules as those used for food and the Flower Bulb Inspection (BKD) inspects all flower bulbs and ensures that these rules are observed.

Bulbs companies are also reducing their carbon footprints. Wageningen University & Research has been monitoring energy consumption in the flower bulb sector since 2008 and has noticed that the energy consumption in flower bulb companies has declined sharply. There is also an increase in the use of sustainable energy.

In August 2018, ‘Vitale Teelt 2030’ (vital cultivation) was launched with a vision that sets the course for the coming years and provides a solution for the challenges facing the flower bulb sector. ‘Vitale Teelt 2030’ is a cooperation of the Dutch flower bulb sector; Royal Dutch Society for the Cultivation of Flower Bulbs, Greenpoort Noord Holland Noord, Wageningen University & Research, Greenport Duin- en Bollenstreek. With ‘Vitale Teelt 2030’, the flower bulb sector wants to continue to improve its sustainability and contribute to a healthy environment. This vision consists 3 important pillars:

Now that the right steps have been taken, the question remains: ‘How does Green Garden Flowerbulbs take accountability for corporate social responsibility?’

At Green Garden Flowerbulbs, we want nothing more than to have a healthy environment and to operate in a sustainable manner. That is why we are committed to reducing our environmental impact as a fundamental part of our business strategy and working practices.

Flower bulbs

The flower bulbs that we buy are delivered to the consumer in the same condition as we receive them from the growers. We do not add any additional protection products or pesticides. However, since we source from many different growers using different production techniques, the exact use of agrochemicals is limited by stringent Dutch laws including a ban on Neonicotinoids. The BKD issues certificates to the flower bulbs at the grower’s premises to ensure traceability.

Before the inspection process begins, the flower bulbs are registered. Most inspections are twofold. The flower bulbs are planted and then inspected in the field (including at least one visual inspection) and samples are taken and examined in the laboratory for viruses, bacteria and nematodes. For certain crops, the BKD also conducts ‘dry inspections’ of the harvested bulbs. Once delivered, bulbs are checked by our own quality control team, who will check for disease, the size and quantity.

Assortment

Flowers are of great value to insects, such as butterflies and bees. Spring flowering bulbs, in particular are great source of food for insects. We therefore ensure that our range includes varieties which provide early sources of nectar and pollen, such as Muscari, Crocuses, wild Tulips, Anemones, Galanthus, Allium and Hyacinths. But also perennials like Phlox, Echinacea and Paeonia.

Storage areas

Once our bulbs have been checked and accepted, they are stored in climate controlled warehouses and checked regularly to ensure top quality for our customers. In the warehouses and in our drying and storage cells, we use automatic light switches with a motion sensor to reduce energy waste.

Storing and packing

Our bulbs are delivered and stored in wire mesh trays. Once used the empty trays are returned to the grower to be reused. Our products are shipped in FSC-certified cardboard boxes. The FSC system ensures that the forests of our world can preserved through responsible forest management.

We also display our entire range online, via our website and have stopped offering a printed catalogue to save on paper. The order confirmation also comes digitally, via e-mail. In our company, we use bicycles and steps to cover the distances in our warehouse.

Separating waste

We strive to minimise our impact on the environment by recycling and have separate waste containers for paper, plastic, wood, green waste, metal and residual waste. In addition, all mesh bins are reused.

Solar panels and heat pumps

In August 2019, we installed almost 1000 solar panels allowing use to produce all the power we need for lighting and running our fans in the drying and storage cells, among other things.  We even send some power back to the Dutch grid! In addition, by purchasing and installing 2 heat pumps in 2022, Green Garden Flowerbulbs is now running completely gas-free.

Our conclusion

We love nature and enjoy the flowers that grow from our flower bulbs. Although the flower bulb sector is not (yet) completely harmless to the environment, huge strides are being made in the right direction. At Green Garden Flowerbulbs we also remain continuously alert to making our business strategy more sustainable.

Sources
https://vitaleteelt.nl/
https://www.dpd.com/nl/nl/over-dpd/responsibility/
https://www.wur.nl/