Bouquet, OK

Flowers: so pretty, so natural … so shellacked in pesticides?

Hold up: It’s time to rethink the way you buy and give flowers.

Start your eco-friendly flower journey with The Bouqs, a Venice Beach, California-based startup that ships to all 50 states.

You might not be consuming flowers in the same way you inhale a grass-fed steak, but there are lots of reasons to put some thought into how you buy your stems.

The Bouqs cuts out the middleman and cuts your bouquet to order at the farm (starting at $40, shipping included). That means bunches of flowers don’t sit for days dropping petals in enormous warehouses (other suppliers can waste up to one of every three stems) and flowers get to you within four days of being cut (versus the industry standard of up to two weeks).

How it works: Bouqs explained. (Click video to watch)

The Bouqs works exclusively with Ecuadorian farms situated on the side of an active volcano (seriously) that are independently certified by agencies such as The Rainforest Alliance for sustainability. Much like when you buy organic food, you’re doing good on both ends of the supply chain—for yourself and for those who grow and pick the product. The Bouqs’ partner farms provide services like living wages, childcare, healthcare, and adult education for their workers. For an even more local option, choose from the California Collection, which offers overnight delivery everywhere.

The site is snappy and easy-to-navigate, and the arrangements range from boho-lush to minimalist chic and are a world away from the staid versions at the usual standbys.

If you’re really feeling the love this Mother’s Day, sign your momma (or yourself) up for a multi-month subscription package.