New Data Shows Emotional Benefits of Flowers; Eastern Floral Encourages Busy Commuters to ‘Petal It Forward’

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – October 23, 2019 — Eastern Floral the Mental Health Foundation will be hitting the streets of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Holland on October 23 handing out thousands of flowers to busy commuters to help brighten up their week, as part of the ‘Petal it Forward’ program, in partnership with the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Eastern Floral is a member. Eastern Floral is joining more than 200 florists across the country in ‘Petal It Forward. This random-acts-of-kindness effort is in response to the release of data by SAF showing the positive emotional benefits of flowers.
University research reveals that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods. Now, a new survey has found that, when it comes to flowers, it’s just as good to give as it is to receive. With this data in mind, the Petal It Forward team is not only spreading happiness to lucky West Michigan residents who receive the flowers but arming these recipients with the tools they need to Petal it Forward and spread happiness to others: An extra flower bouquet to share with a loved one, coworker or even a stranger. “There are so many ways to be nice,” said Christy Buck, Executive Director of the Mental Health
Foundation. “The distribution of flowers lines up with our mission because you are taking the time to notice other people, inviting yourself to reach out and start a conversation, challenging yourself to talk to strangers, and empowering yourself and others with the happiness a smile and flowers can bring. Petal It Forward is a great reminder for us to notice someone who may be having a bad day or struggling with their mental health and figuring out how you can help,” said Buck.
A survey of 2,500 people throughout the U.S. by SAF illustrates the impact of flowers. The results reveal the many benefits of flowers, including their positive effects on one’s emotions and happiness, and back up previous research studies on flowers conducted by Rutgers, Harvard and Texas A&M.
The following are highlights from SAF’s survey results:
• When it comes to happiness, it’s just as good to give flowers as it is to receive: 88 percent of Americans report that giving flowers makes them feel happy, while 80 percent reported that receiving flowers makes them feel happy.
• Just being around flowers improves your mood: 76 percent of Americans agree that having flowers in their home or office improves their mood.
• The best reason to receive flowers is “just because”: Women (92 percent) are more likely to agree with this, but the majority of men (three in four) also share this sentiment.
• Florists to the rescue! Nearly four in 10 Americans indicate florists have helped them in a past or current relationship; most frequently to say, “I love you,” or schedule a surprise delivery.
Eastern Floral, the Mental Health Foundation, and the Petal It Forward “Happiness Ambassadors” will give away 1,200 bouquets to people on the street. After receiving their flowers, recipients are asked to spread happiness by gifting their extra flower bouquets and sharing their happiness on social media using #petalitforward. For more information on the benefits of flowers, visit www.aboutflowers.com and www.aboutflowersblog.com.