What is Sustainable Floristry? The Blooming Revolution of Floristry

Embracing Sustainable Floristry: A Blooming Revolution

Flowers bring and add color, life, and ambiance to our homes, special events, occasions, and life’s moments, big and small, happy or sad.  I personally (and biasally, hmm is that even a word? I digress.) know no other medium that provides such impact than flowers. As such, cut flowers come from many different sources, some    sustainably other not so much. There is a growing movement around the world of flower enthusiasts and floristry industry professionals who are growing more concerned and are consequently sounding the alarm of the over consumption, heavy usage and reliance of single use plastics such as floral foam which are not recyclable, and increased carbon footprint from importing flowers.  Sustainable floristry is emerging as a hot, crucial trend, redefining how we approach floral design, consumption, and production. As we celebrate the beauty of flowers, let’s explore how the floristry industry is evolving to be more eco-friendly and the practices you can adopt to support this blooming revolution.

Understanding Sustainable Floristry

What is sustainable floristry? Great, I’m so pleased that you asked. Sustainable floristry are environmentally friendly practices that florists and floristry industry professionals have undergone to reduce the carbon footprint of providing florals to the customer.  It is commitment to make choices that take into consideration the now and the future of how those choices affect the environment and simultaneously and each other as humans.  Sustainable floristry integrates eco-friendly conscious practices into every aspect of floral design. It’s not just about using organic blooms or reducing waste; it’s a holistic approach that encompasses sourcing, production, design, and disposal.  The goal is to minimize environmental impact while still celebrating the art of floristry. This includes using ecofriendly materials, such as chicken wire, for flower support, not using pesticides, recycling, and reusing materials.  The main target of sustainable floristry currently is floral foam. Here are some key principles of sustainable floristry.

Key Principles of Sustainable Floristry

1. Locally Sourced Flowers: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to promote sustainability is by choosing flowers that are grown locally. Local flowers have a smaller carbon footprint because they don’t require long-distance transportation, which reduces emissions and the need for excessive packaging.
2. Seasonal Selections: Embracing seasonal flowers not only supports local growers but also ensures that the blooms are at their peak in terms of freshness and durability. Seasonal flowers are often less resource-intensive to grow and can be harvested at their natural best, which means they last longer.
3. Organic and Eco-Friendly Growing Practices: Opting for flowers grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers is a significant step toward sustainability. Organic farming methods preserve soil health, protect local wildlife, and reduce water pollution.
4. Minimal Use of Non-Recyclable Materials: Traditional floral arrangements often use foam and plastic, which are not environmentally friendly. Sustainable florists are moving towards biodegradable alternatives such as moss, recyclable containers, and compostable wrapping materials. Other traditional old-school floristry methods are being revived such as the usage of chicken wire armatures and floral frog pins traditionally used in Ikebana.
5. Waste Reduction: Sustainable florists aim to minimize waste by repurposing leftover stems and foliage, composting organic waste, and encouraging clients to return vases for reuse. Some even offer workshops on flower arranging and care to extend the life of floral arrangements.
6. No Floral Foam:  Floral foam while convenient is comprised of microplastics and harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. It is not reusable after the first use and is not compostable or biodegradable. Research has found that it contributes to water contamination in our waterways and is harmful to the surrounding wildlife. Sustainable florists use alternative mechanics such as Oshun pouches and Agra Wool which is a natural foam comprised of basalt.

How to Support Sustainable Floristry

1. Choose Eco-Conscious Florists: When selecting a florist, inquire about their sustainability practices. Support those who prioritize local, seasonal, and organic flowers, and who use eco-friendly materials.
2. DIY Arrangements: Consider creating your own floral arrangements using local and seasonal flowers. This not only allows you to have a personal touch but also supports the idea of reducing transportation and packaging waste.
3. Repurpose and Recycle: After enjoying your flowers, think about how to repurpose them. Dried flowers can make beautiful decorations or be used in crafts. Composting the remains is another way to ensure they contribute positively to the environment.
4. Educate and Advocate: Share your knowledge about sustainable floristry with friends and family. By advocating for eco-friendly practices, you can help raise awareness and foster a broader shift towards sustainability in the floral industry.

The Future of Floristry

The push towards sustainable floristry is more than a trend; it’s a necessary evolution for the industry. As awareness grows and more florists embrace eco-friendly practices, the future of floristry looks promisingly green. Innovations in growing techniques, materials, and waste management will continue to shape the industry, ensuring that our appreciation for flowers doesn’t come at the expense of our planet.

In conclusion, sustainable floristry is a beautiful movement that aligns with our growing commitment to protecting the environment. By supporting eco-conscious florists, opting for local and seasonal blooms, and adopting sustainable practices, we can all play a part in nurturing both the planet and our love for flowers. So next time you’re in the market for a floral arrangement, try to choose a florist such as Hiawathia Floral Design Co. that has committed to ecofriendly, sustainable floristry practices.