Floral arranging is an ancient art. As far back as 2,500 BCE, Egyptians were creating stylized flower designs for table decorations, funerals, and processions. Since then, it’s been a favored way to beautify spaces, celebrate special occasions, and convey sentiments. But times change. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness around the environmental impact of the floral industry. From excessive water use to pesticide-laden blooms, traditional flower arrangements come with a price. Enter the rise of sustainable bouquets, a more eco-conscious approach to floral design that prioritizes the planet.
Flowers are an important part of our culture. Well over half of Americans say that flowers are a gift unlike any other, and 80% say they feel happy when receiving them. The booming floral market reflects this sentiment. In the United States, shoppers spend $1.83 billion on cut flowers yearly, the most out of any country.
Not much thought is given to where the flowers come from, though. Consider that 80% of all flowers sold in North America are imported from international industrial flower farms. These are not as well-regulated as U.S. farms, and they notoriously use harsh, and sometimes toxic, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There is also a chance that the flowers are harvested using unfair labor practices, including child labor. Additionally, this kind of traditional floristry ends up contributing to high carbon emissions since it involves transporting flowers from across the globe.
The good news is that there is a growing number of small flower farms sprouting up across the country, working to change the industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has seen a 20% increase over the past five years. The eco-flower arrangements and sustainable bouquets produced by these domestic growers and florists are better for the environment. Since they’re often free from harsh chemicals, they’re also better for you and your loved ones.
Here are steps you can take to get sustainable flower arrangements.
Start by looking for florists in your area who advertise as organic, eco-friendly, or sustainable. These florists are more likely to prioritize local and organic blooms. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Slow Flowers. This online community platform encourages the floral industry and its consumers to embrace local, seasonal, and sustainable flowers. Tell them your location, and they’ll show you where in your area to find sustainable flower arrangements. Farmer’s markets are another great place to source flowers. Access the LocalHarvest database to find one near you.
If you’re buying flowers off the shelf, look for the Rainforest Alliance (RA) Certification (include a picture of the RA logo?) label. RA-certified flowers have met a set of high standards for the farm’s impact on ecosystems and wildlife habitats, water and soil conservation, safe conditions for workers, and community impact.
If having chemical-free flowers is a priority for you, explicitly ask for organically grown options. Many florists are now opting for organically grown flowers, which means no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This not only benefits pollinators and soil health but also ensures the recipient isn’t exposed to potential toxins. Don’t be shy about asking. The more florists know organic is in demand, the more likely they’ll be to find sustainable options for their customers.
Sustainable floristry emphasizes local and seasonal blooms. It’s all about understanding and adapting to the rhythms of nature. This shift results in arrangements that not only reflect the season but also have a reduced carbon footprint. Ask your local florist about seasonal flower options and consider arrangements that feature native plants and flowers.
Yet another facet of sustainable floristry is waste reduction. Eco-conscious florists are innovating with biodegradable packaging, forgoing the plastic wraps and non-biodegradable foam that dominate traditional arrangements, opting instead for more natural alternatives like moss or twigs.
Instead of the standard glass vase, ask if the florist offers arrangements in upcycled or recycled containers. Even better, consider bringing your own container or vase to be filled.
Times continue to change. Sustainable flower arrangements reflect the dire situation of our planet, the evolving consciousness of consumers, and the floral industry’s response to it. By choosing sustainable blooms, you’re celebrating nature in its purest form and playing a part in preserving the beauty of our planet for generations to come.
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Published September 6, 2023 6:17PM
Eveelife is an eco-oriented lifestyle platform that helps consumers make more purposeful choices about how they live and what they consume. We do it by curating content and products that help them make more conscious, carbon-free choices while amplifying their EV ownership experience.
