As florists, it’s only natural that we love nature, and one would assume that florists naturally do everything they can to protect the environment. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Some florists use more sustainable floristry practices than others. At Central Square Florist, we take extra care to provide our Boston area clients with exceptional quality that doesn’t come at the expense of the environment by using eco-friendly flowers and sustainably designed business operations.
What Are Eco-Friendly Flowers?
Eco-friendly flowers are those which are grown using methods and materials that are safe for both people and the environment. Some flowers are grown out of season at incredibly fast rates. In order for growers to accomplish this, they have to use lots of excess energy to power grow lights in addition to harmful chemicals inside certain fertilizers and pesticides.
Eco-friendly flowers are slow-grown, using natural methods that don’t harm the environment. Sustainable growers also focus on limiting their distribution chains to nearby florists in order to minimize the carbon footprint of shipping.
5 Signs of an Eco-Friendly Florist
Not every florist comes with an “organic” or “free-range” stamp like the eggs at the grocery store, so it can be tricky to discern between florists who practice sustainable floristry and those who don’t. The following signs indicate your florist is a keeper!
1. Uses Recyclable Materials
Look for a florist who wraps bouquets in paper instead of plastic and who avoids non-recyclable florist’s foam.
2. Reduces Waste
Sustainable florists never let a flower go to waste by donating extras to nursing homes and hospitals.
3. Promotes Seasonal Flowers
Naturally grown, seasonal flowers are the freshest and most beautiful choice anyway!
4. Offers to Refill Vases
A sustainable florist will happily refill old containers.
5. Sources from Local Growers
Sourcing from a nearby grower ensures safe growing practices and reduces shipping impact.
How You Can Help
Floral sustainability doesn’t stop at the flower shop; you can make a difference, too. Save your vases and containers. Whether you repurpose them or have them refilled at the florist, you’ll be reducing waste. We also encourage high-volume clients (commercial businesses, weddings, and events) to refill or return their multitude of containers.
You can also increase the longevity of your blooms by hanging or pressing them. Dried flowers can last for years, allowing you to preserve your happy memories and decorate your home at the same time. If you’re not into drying your flowers, you can still put spent blooms and foliage to good use. All plant material is fully compostable. Add them to your compost bin or donate them to a community garden to be used as fertilizer.
Lastly, the most significant thing you can do to encourage sustainable floristry is to choose a local florist. By shopping local, you can order flowers from a business you trust and rest easy knowing your delivery won’t have to travel too far. To learn more about our sustainable floristry practices, contact Central Square Florist.
