Sustainability Series 06: Positive role models in sustainable floristry
For this post, I wanted to document some of my favourite accounts to follow, consume, read & review on a regular basis to deepen knowledge of Sustainable Floristry.
For me, these individuals and collectives have become beacons of fact, hope and realistic advice in unison.
I would urge anyone to take a look at their research, viewpoints, and discussion to help to understand more about how an earth first way of approaching growing, floristry or buying flowers.
Seasonal, British Bouquets, made by Bryonia.
This Journal entry is here to help with education, and support in choosing what flowers (or none) might be right for you. To others in the flower industry, this entry is purely to aid conscious consumption, and I do not wish to place disrespect on your choices to either stock, or not stock any mentioned products.
At this critical point, whether a supplier or customer, we need to question the environmental impact we’re making and it's science we need to go to make these choices.
& in my local community
I’d also like to take a moment to mention the group around me in Manchester that support sustainable floristry - the growers, florists, customers and kind hearted people. These close contacts are the most wonderful support network and help to problem solve, share information and work together to aid the planet.
If you’re interested in developing your own group, I would recommend you look to speak to those already interested & actively participating in using or growing seasonal local flowers using the following places:
Flowers from the Farm, a non-profit organisation that was established in 2011, has doubled its membership over the past three years, and now works with more than 1,000 independent British growers and florists. Bryonia is a member and lots of our favourite growers are too. You can use their map to locate the ones that are closest to you.
Google is also a web of knowledge, and there are many Facebook groups such as Sustainable Florists & Flower Growers.
From here onwards, it’s your decision if you do choose to buy any cut flowers (either as a customer or as a florist). But if you do, you should always look to:
Ask questions about the origin of your flowers, and consider locally grown alternatives
Research certification schemes, and what they mean for how flowers were grown & transported (such as environmental, human rights or fair pay etc)
Look to understand the chemical & pesticide treatment of any flowers
Build connections with local flower farmers & florists to help further your understanding of what buying or selling flowers truly means
And you could also look to…
Buy a locally grown & considered bunch of British flowers, which have transparent journeys, labelling and specialist knowledge to support you in enjoying them.
Supplied by your own local florist or grower, these can be found on the Flowers from the Farm website, or if you’re in Manchester then maybe our Seasonal Fresh Flowers are the perfect option.
