Florists are passionate about creating stunning arrangements that brighten our lives. While they strive to be as eco-friendly as possible, it's not always easy to be 100% sustainable.

Sometimes, using floral foam can be necessary for efficiency in time, transportation, and the longevity of a design. However, many florists are exploring eco-friendly alternatives and reducing their reliance on foam whenever possible.

Irish-grown flowers are wonderful, but they're not always available year-round. Sometimes, getting a delivery from a wholesaler, even if it's not local, can be more efficient and less environmentally damaging than driving to multiple farms.

So, while your local florist might not always be perfect, they're doing their best to balance the beauty of their work with the practicalities of running a business. Let's appreciate their efforts to create stunning floral designs while being mindful of the environment.

Here are just a few steps florists and floral designers are taking to reduce their carbon footprint and be more sustainable floral businesses

Step 1: Embrace Local and Seasonal where possible

Incorporate locally grown and seasonal flowers into designs. This reduces the environmental impact of transportation and supports local businesses, unless of course you have to travel many miles to multiple farms to buy the produce you need. However buying seasonal local grown flowers allows you to offer some unique and beautiful blooms to your customers at certain times of the year. See a list of Irish Flower Farmers Here

Step 2: Choose Eco-Friendly Packaging or go “Naked”

Opt for sustainable packaging materials like biodegradable cellophane, recyclable paper, and jute twine. These alternatives reduce plastic waste and create a more environmentally friendly image for your business. Consider offering "naked bouquets" without any wrapping for a minimalist and eco-conscious look. Check out Floral Box who have a fabulous range of Compostable and Eco Friendly Packaging

Step 3: Explore Sustainable Mechanics - re-educate yourself and your staff

Reduce your reliance on floral foam, a non-biodegradable plastic. Explore eco-friendly alternatives like chicken wire, moss, or Kenzan ( flower frogs) . These options provide stability for your arrangements while minimizing environmental impact in many cases, but don’t sacrifice your customers experience and expectations particularly around funeral designs where sometimes foam may be your only alternative.

Step 4: Educate and Inspire Your Customers

Share your commitment to sustainability with your customers. Host workshops to teach them about seasonal flowers and eco-friendly practices. Offer discounts or special promotions for sustainable choices where financially possible. Clearly label your eco-friendly products and explain the benefits to your customers. Offer a return incentive scheme to reuse door wreath straw or twig bases & frames, glass vases and bottles, funeral moss mechanics. Kays Flower School have a Foam Free Sustainable Floristry Course

Step 5: Minimize Waste

Implement waste reduction strategies in your business. Compost leftover flowers and plant matter, donate extra blooms to charities, and reuse vases and containers. By reducing waste and maximizing resources, you can contribute to a more sustainable future. Having a designated Compost bin and educating your staff on plastic contamination will make a huge difference to your compostable waste.

Step 6: Light it up or not

As your light bulbs waste, consider changing to LED light bulbs, They use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Consider putting timers or sensors on lights in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens or store rooms where lights may be left on accidently. Design your workspace to maximize natural light. Use large windows and skylights to illuminate your space during daylight hours. If lighting up the outside of your shop or your shop window, again use a timer that these go off when there is very little traffic passing, 10pm - 7am.

Step 7: Paperless Ordering and Messaging:

Utilize digital tools for taking orders and sending messages. This can streamline processes and reduce paper consumption. Use a white board or chalk board for staffroom notes and messages. Use wooden pencils instead of plastic biros.

By implementing these simple yet impactful changes, florists can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Remember, every small step counts. By embracing sustainability, florists can contribute to a healthier planet and create a positive legacy for future generations. So, let's work together to build a more sustainable future.