African roses – red or green?
Did you buy red roses for Valentine’s Day? If so – where did they come from? Africa or Europe? You may have taken a conscious environmental decision to buy from European sources as the flowers do not have to travel so far and therefore involve fewer air miles, but according to International Development Secretary, Hilary Benn, this may be mistaken and it may be ‘greener’ to buy red from Africa.
Buy African flowers – UK Minister BBC News Online (13/2/07)
Buy African flowers for Valentine’s Day, minister says Guardian (13/2/07)
Questions
| 1. | Compare and contrast the social costs and social benefits (including both private and external costs) of buying red roses produced in Europe and those produced in Africa. |
| 2. | Assess which are the most environmentally beneficial presents to give on Valentine’s Day. Give reasons to justify your answer. |
| 3. | Evaluate two policy options available to the government to reduce the environmental impact of Valentine’s Day. |