The Slow Flowers Movement is a response to the disconnect between humans and flowers in the modern era. It aspires to reclaim the act of flower growing, recognizing it as a relevant and respected branch of domestic agriculture. Slow Flowers connects consumers with the source of their flowers, putting a human face of the flower farmer and floral designer behind each bouquet or centerpiece. The value of local, seasonal and sustainably-grown flowers is heightened when there is transparent origin labeling of all botanicals sold to consumers and professional florists.

Slow Flowers commits to the following practices:

• To recognize and respect the seasons by celebrating and designing with flowers when they naturally bloom.

• To reduce the transportation footprint of the flowers and foliage consumed in the marketplace by sourcing as locally as possible.

• To support flower farmers small and large by crediting them when possible through proper labeling at the wholesale and consumer level.

• To encourage sustainable and organic farming practices that respect people and the environment.

• *To proactively pursue equity, inclusion and representation in the floral marketplace, intentionally valuing Black floral professionals (farmers, floral designers and vendors) in our business practice with as much support as we give to environmental sustainability.

• To eliminate waste and the use of chemical products in the floral industry.

The Slow Flowers Movement puts a priority on sourcing American-grown flowers. In a way, this also means that we redefine beauty. As a Slow Food chef cooks with what is seasonally available, a Slow Flowers florist designs with what is seasonally available.