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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 15 Okay. So now comes the bigger question. How do we define being a sustainable florist? Of course, there are many leading floral designers advocating sustainable practices, like Quan, as well as Debra Prinzing, PFCI; Holly Chapple; Paulina Nieliwocki; TJ McGrath; and Ingrid Carozzi. ey are using their fame and talents as laboratories to find ways to make it easier for modern florists who must create installations and larger designs. As it turns out, any effort is worthwhile, and here are some options for you to implement in your business. 1. Tell a Stor y with Your Choices ere is no rule or law that says every flower in your shop has to be locally sourced. For most florists, this would be a challenge because flowers from around the world are unique, colorful and beautiful—especially Alexandra Farms' 'Juliet' roses (a David Austin Wedding Roses English garden rose variety) and Rosaprima's Italian 'Elegance' series Ranunculus. Plus, in some climates, "locally" grown flowers are scarce during different parts of the year. But highlighting those that are locally sourced is a worthwhile pursuit. "As younger consumers purchase flowers, many are focused on not only a flower's aesthetics but also the story behind the flower, such as how and where it was produced," says Benjamin Campbell, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics at the University of Georgia. "For these generations of flower buyers, production practices are taking on an ever-growing importance in shaping what they purchase and what they are demanding from suppliers and retailers." 2. Materials for Floral Use Can Be More Sustainable You can also highlight that you are using paper wrapping versus plastic, which is a big improvement for the planet. Furthermore, there are so many biodegradable containers, such as Oasis Floral Products' "ECOssentials™" line of vases, bowls, pots and planters that are made of recycled plant fibers and colored with organic dyes, that you can offer to your clients. "e industry is shifting away from plastic to paper options for wrapping flowers," says Alex Frost, founder and CEO of HyperVend and FloraBot, noting that, collectively, this reduces carbon footprints. Customers also notice these efforts and applaud them. "Even grower pots are becoming biodegradable, with partnerships with Ellepot, Ahlstrom-Munksjö and OrganoClick," he says. Additionally, the use of hemp twine is also trending over paper-covered wire. 3. To Foam or Not to Foam Floral foam has been made to be a villain when, in fact, there are bigger sustainability issues in our industry. However, it's true that what's old becomes new again. Mechanics such as chicken wire, a.k.a. "florist netting" in our industry (made of steel wire), and other types of grids and armatures are regaining popularity as concerns about floral foam have risen. In fact, veteran wedding planner Holly Chapple has created plastic design mechanics, manufactured and sold by Syndicate Sales, known as the "Egg," the "Pillow" and "Installation Mechanics." ere are also many more types and sizes of reusable metal flower-frog pin holders, pin cups and hairpin holders, such as those from Floral Genius. And FibreFloral ™ Design Media from Smithers-Oasis

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