The Sourcing Of Flowers, Gold and Diamonds

By Martin Donohoe, MD

On Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and throughout the year, suitors and lovers buy cut flowers and diamond and gold jewelry for the objects of their affection. Their purchases are in part a consequence of timely traditions maintained by aggressive marketing.

Most buyers are unaware that in gifting their lovers with these aesthetically-beautiful symbols, they are supporting industries which damage the environment, utilize forced labor, cause serious health problems, and contribute to violent conflicts.

This article reviews the health and environmental consequences of, and the human rights abuses associated with, the production of cut flowers, gold, and diamonds. Recommendations to improve the safety of production standards are offered, as well as alternative gift suggestions which do not promote environmental degradation, human suffering, and death.

Here’s a link to the article: Flowers, Diamonds, and Gold.

Martin Donohoe, MD, FACP, is an Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Community Health at Portland State University. He is a Member, Board of Advisors, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and Senior Physician, Internal Medicine, Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center
www.publichealthandsocialjustice.org, www.phsj.org

Contact: [email protected]

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