But I do agree about local. I mean who doesn't want to walk by something like this everyday - https://scontent-yyz1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t50.2886-16/93565...
In my country garlands for hindu ceremonies are big business. I guess that is as essential as it gets for cut flowers. However, these largely depend on local suppliers.
The exporting surely is not essential.
Depends on your definition of essential, I'd argue 100% of the world population would survive just fine without music or flowers. Food is essential, water is essential, medicine is essential, shelter is essential. Some tulips imported for 2000km away aren't. I mean, do we really have to debate this ?
If we go there, sooner or later, someone will show up and say Ketchup is essential.
Few things are “essential”. But that’s hardly the point.
Anyways, is love essential?
No they wouldn't, they'd get depressed and eventually become either withdrawn or violent. I'm not arguing for a wasteful and environmentally destructive flower trade, but against your notion that mere maintenance of the biological organism is sufficient. Universals like music and flowers serve an important role in social cohesion.
I just hope society gradually moves to a state where everything but the most essential of essential stuff is produced and consumed.
Music is a great example. Sure we could do without it, but life is for the living. Experiences are not essential to the physical functions of life but without them life would quickly become depressing, at which point, what are we protecting?