As one of my favourite event suppliers to work with, florists bloom with creativity, and a growing number are leading a revolution to make floral design more harmonious with the Earth. These talented folks are finding innovative ways to create stunning arrangements while reducing environmental impact; and sustainable floristry is starting to transform the industry.
Clashing with environmental values, traditional floral design can rely heavily on practices like:
Floral foam: A widely used but highly polluting material.
Excessive packaging: Single-use plastic wraps, ribbons, and decorations.
Global transportation: Flying out-of-season blooms halfway across the world leaves a hefty carbon footprint.
Unfair labor practices: Workers in parts of the flower supply chain don’t always benefit from safe and equitable conditions.
This disconnect stems from the delicate and perishable nature of flowers, driving reliance on unsustainable materials and methods to preserve and transport blooms. However, as awareness grows, so does the push for greener, kinder floristry.
What is Sustainable Floristry?
Sustainable floristry is a fresh approach to design that nurtures people, businesses, and the planet. The Sustainable Floristry Network (SFN), an independent education and membership organisation, is leading this movement. They’ve developed a continuing professional development (CPD) program to inspire florists worldwide to embrace sustainability.
By adopting eco-conscious practices, florists commit to creating designs that:
Eliminate harmful materials like floral foam.
Prioritise local, seasonal blooms.
Opt for reusable and recyclable packaging.
Minimise waste and support fair labor conditions.
Themelda Floristry
Katie Thorn, the creative force behind Sydney-based Themeda Floristry, is a shining example of sustainable floristry in action. Katie’s philosophy is based on three core principles:
Australian-Grown Flowers: By choosing locally sourced blooms, Katie celebrates the incredible quality and diversity of native and non-native plants produced by Australian growers.
No Floral Foam: Her arrangements are crafted with innovative techniques without the foam.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Every step of her process minimises waste and maximises the lifecycle of materials.
Far from constraint, Katie finds freedom in these principles. Her designs take on a natural, free-flowing form, reflecting the beauty of nature itself and inviting it into homes, offices, and event spaces.
How You Can Support Sustainable Floristry
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a casual gathering, there are simple ways to make your floral choices more sustainable:
Shop local and in-season: Choose flowers that are grown nearby to reduce the carbon footprint and support local farmers.
Ditch non-recyclable materials: Encourage your florist to use alternatives like chicken wire or reusable vases, recyclable and compostable paper.
Reuse and recycle: Opt for materials that can live another life beyond your event.
Share the love: Donate or gift your flowers after the event to extend their life.
Sustainable floristry is about more than flowers; it’s about creating a healthier, more vibrant future for everyone. So next time you’re planning an event, let your floral choices tell a story of sustainability – a story as beautiful as the flowers themselves.
If you’d like to explore more ideas or discuss how The Sustainable Occasion can support your event more mindfully, feel free to reach out.
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