A floral arrangement is often a go-to gift, and because flowers lift our spirits, they appear at celebrations, religious services and funerals. Sadly, the conventional cut-flower industry is unsustainable, so let’s consider some alternatives.

Cultivating flowers for the American market is typically resource-intensive and harmful to the environment. Large quantities of water, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides enhance plant growth. Fossil fuels heat greenhouses at higher altitudes and in cool climates, enable the transport of flowers in airplanes and trucks, and power refrigerators that cool products as they journey to market. Since 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported as part of an industry with a retail value of more than $7 billion, the environmental costs of floriculture are substantial.

However, we need not abandon cut flowers altogether. To reduce the environmental costs, participate in the “slow flower movement”: Patronize neighborhood stands, farmstands, farms and retailers specializing in locally grown, seasonal blooms. Though not all local suppliers are USDA-certified organic, they tend to employ sustainable practices, which suit their farming philosophy and can enhance plant health. At the other end of the supply chain, in Maine, the robust demand for flowers grown locally and sustainably supports an expanding network of florists and designers. And this demand may increase due to the Trump administration’s tariff policies.

The market here is so healthy that a Brunswick-based cooperative called Maine Flower Collective now connects 45 growers and nearly 100 wholesaler buyers. Southern Maine is home to many of these operations, some of which offer bulk pricing and arranging services for events. To find them, start with the excellent directory floretflowers.com/directory; see also realmaine.com and tinyurl.com/4k6rj72d. Picking your own blooms is another option — just do an internet search. Few locally grown flowers will be available during a Maine winter, of course, but local retailers offer attractive dried bouquets, bunches and wreaths.

Although conventional retailers dominate the flower-delivery market, more sustainable alternatives do exist. Sunny Meadows Flower Farm near Columbus, Ohio, for example, will deliver seasonal flowers nationwide at competitive prices — visit shop.sunnymeadowsflowerfarm.com.

Cut flowers bring comfort and joy. If we look past the most obvious sources and are comfortable with in-season choices, they can also become part of a sustainable lifestyle.

David Conwell belongs to the nationwide advocacy organization Citizens’ Climate Lobby and is a former member of Brunswick’s Sustainability Committee.