6 Ways a Florist can be more Sustainable (It’s MUCH easier than you think!)
You have heard me say it before and I’ll say it again - In an industry with so much waste we can ALL do better.
Let me share a statistic with you;
‘Did you know that if 10% of Australian weddings were eco-friendly it would be the equivalent of taking 111,293 cars off the road for one year!’
* As studied by Edge Environment for Less Stuff More Meaning and using the EPA Greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator
Lets keep this simple and get right to it. These are the simple ways you can incorporate sustainability into your business;
1. No floral foam (This is ARGUABLY the most important one)
Floral foam is a single use plastic which is made up of two toxic chemicals which will never fully break down. We know it is dangerous for us to breath in the dust from the foam and emptying water containing it damages our waterways so why do we still use it?
We had flowers before foam, so lets make this the normal again.
2. use local in season flowers
One of the largest environmental impacts of a wedding is air miles so it’s no surprise that imported flowers are having a negative impact on the environment. Not only are we reducing air miles by choosing local flowers but we are supporting local growers and farmers as well.
3. Compost Waste
We know how much green waste we have from just one wedding so lets dispose of this the best way we can. Compost as much of your green waste as possible or at least make sure it goes in the right bin!
TIP: Have left over flowers or greenery from your wedding? DON’T THROW IT OUT!
Hang the bunches upside down and dry it out to reuse for your next dried flower wedding (or sell it in bunches, make wreaths out of it, make dried arrangements from them - the possibilities are endless).
*Same applies for any flowers still at the venue when you pack down!
4. Recycle Packaging
This is a pretty simple one! I know sometimes its impossible to avoid the plastic packaging that comes on our flowers but the least we can do is dispose of it in the best possible way.
TIP: Have a home composting system? Why not put the cardboard from your roses in here instead of in the bin?
5. Buy secondhand
Sourcing your vases second hand not only gives them a second life, it’s usually cheaper for you as well. You can usually find some amazing bargains on FB Market Place or Op Shops!
6. plants instead of flowers
Easily my favourite way! Using potted plants to style weddings and events means less wastage in so many ways.
Plants as table decoration - The guests can take them home as wedding favours
Potted plants to style ceremony and reception - The plants can continue to be used for future weddings or planted and enjoyed by the couple
Use native plants - No overseas importing
No green waste from processing flowers!
Have any questions for me or want to learn more?
Planning a wedding? This guide is for you!