Environmental Impacts
Traditional floristry can have hidden environmental costs. The industry is faced with issues ranging from chemical preservatives and pesticides, single-use plastics, and waste from short-lived arrangements. Even preserved flowers, which last longer than fresh flowers, have some environmental impact.
What Is Sustainable Floristry?
Sustainable floristry involves creating floral designs with environmental and ethical awareness. It aims to use eco-friendly packaging, such as paper and reusable materials, while reducing plastic. By composting and repurposing flower leftovers, florists can also reduce waste.
Floristry requires a variety of materials, and thus, functionality and costs have to be considered. Floral foam is a water-absorbing block that provides support to flower arrangements. Although a popular choice, they are not biodegradable, and their components are known to be toxic. When it comes to designing and arranging the flowers themselves, florists with an environmental focus strive to use natural and reusable materials instead of materials like floral foam. In doing so, the beauty of the flowers is not compromised.
Why Does Sustainable Floristry Matter Now?
Climate change affects flower-growing seasons and biodiversity. With increasingly warm environments, spring arrives earlier, and so does blooming. This implies a potential mismatch in pollinator and plants and flowers could risk greater or longer exposure to more pests and pathogens, which thrive in warmer climates.
Apart from environmental changes, materials like floral foam and plastic wraps also continue to contribute to long-term pollution. As these are readily available and affordable, they are undoubtedly the more popular, yet more harmful, option.
Despite pessimistic trends and environments, the people look towards a brighter future. There is a rising awareness among customers towards eco-friendly practices. This translates even into the floristry scene, where people start to consider and lean towards gifts that align with eco values, something that sustainable floristry advocates for.
This shift towards environmental friendliness not only benefits customers in obtaining what they want in good conscience but also ensures the future of both flowers and florists.
How Are Florists Making the Change?
Of course, florists have to do their part, whether in material and design choices. Reusable mechanics like chicken wire, moss, or jute could substitute for foam. Many florists are making the switch from plastic bouquet wrapping to recyclable or biodegradable packaging. Unused stems and petals are also being upcycled into compost, potpourri, or art.
Instead of throwing away fresh flowers after their short life span, customers are also inclined towards preserved flower bouquet options, as they are longer-lasting and result in lower waste.
Furthermore, they can make for beautiful decorations and fashion accessories, not just bouquets!
Lastly – awareness. Beyond making sustainable changes in the way they operate in their own business, florists are also raising awareness and educating their customers about caring for flowers responsibly.
Care Tip:
How Can Customers Support Sustainable Floristry?
Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy, simple steps that you can take!
Reuse vases, jars, ribbons, and wrapsOpt for preserved or dried flower arrangements for longevityAsk your florist about sourcing and packagingSupport eco-florists in Singapore, like The Enchanted Tree, who value sustainabilityThe Enchanted Tree’s Commitment
Here at The Enchanted Tree, we practice environmental friendliness by creating beauty that is mindful and lasting. We source sustainably and use zero-waste packaging, such as paper wraps for our Wrapped Bouquets (fresh to preserved) and reusable vases for Jar arrangements. Browse through our fresh daily-pick bouquet and longer-lasting preserved blooms to gift them to your loved ones, or even yourself! You deserve to make yourself and others around you happy, while protecting our planet from which these floral beauties bloom.
Conclusion: Floristry’s Future
Sustainability isn’t a trend, but it’s the future. Long-term goals require small steps, and this starts from the simplest things, including the flowers you choose. Eco floristry connects people, creativity, and nature responsibly. Every sustainable bouquet is a small step toward a greener world – take yours today!