Here at Amega Fleur floral design, we absolutely love designing with beautiful flowers and foliages, but like many we are becoming increasingly aware of the impact our industry has on the environment. Nature is so clever but increasingly it is under pressure to stay in balance.
A huge amount of plastic ends up in landfill or in our oceans every year, which causes damage to wildlife, eco-systems and the natural environment.
Over the past few years I have introduced eco-friendly cleaning and recycling systems in my own home, whilst the floristry industry suppliers developed new ranges of biodegradable products and supplies available to us.
So, we are excited to publish our Environmental Working Policy, which aims to reduce our carbon footprint, the waste we produce and to introduce more sustainable working practises.
This policy will be reviewed annually and changes applied when implemented
The areas we have focused on are as follows:
1. Seasonality
2. Waste recycling and reduction
3. Mechanics – biodegradable oasis/ moss/twigs/reusable frames/glass vases/reusable containers
4. Business Practises
1. Seasonal flowers
In the UK, British grown flowers are at their best between April and September. When possible we aim to work with local flower growers directly or via our wholesalers to purchase seasonal and British grown flowers to minimise the amount of transportation emissions.
It is important to know that many flowers and foliages are imported from countries around the world via Aalsmeer Auctions in Holland. This is because the demand for flowers out of season has grown, in addition the growing conditions in other countries do not require artificial light, heat and chemicals. We aim to choose products that have been grown and produced in an ethical and sustainable way.
I grow a range of foliages in my own garden and at the Studio such as Rosemary; Lavender; Aralia; Jasmine, Clematis and Ivy with many new shrubs being added this year. This enables me to ‘forage’ from my own garden as it is illegal to forage for foliage/flowers in the wild.
2. Waste recycling & reduction
As a Studio florist, we are always careful when ordering flowers and foliages as we do not hold stocks in the same way as a High Street Florist. All or our floral designs are created from planned and accurate recipe’s to ensure both value to our clients and minimal wastage. Storage time is short so there is very little energy used on light, refrigeration or heating.
When flowers and foliages are delivered they are usually packaged in paper, plastic wrap, and in boxes to ensure that they are protected and arrive healthy and blemish free. This creates different waste which are dealt with in the following way:
Green waste, such as stems and leaves is collected in a black bin and composted at home or recycled.
Plastic waste, is collected and recycled
Cardboard and paper, is collected and recycled.
Large Cardboard boxes, where possible are returned to the wholesaler to reuse.
It is rare that we have any spare flowers due to our careful ordering, however if there are any spare they are donated to the Church on East Mersea for the local community to enjoy.
3. Biodegradable – foam free and biodegradable products
Minimal use of floral foam
First discovered and manufactured in 1954 by Mr V.L Smithers, Oasis floral foam revolutionised the floral industry and has since been seen as an essential tool in the flower industry. Unfortunately it is very environmentally unfriendly and it is estimated to take over 100 years to breakdown! Smithers Oasis have developed a biodegradable floral foam which takes 567 days to biodegrade and they continue to work on new sustainable products.
Depending on the design required we are committed to use bio – degradable floral foam or where possible natural mechanics such as moss, twigs and reusable chicken wire.
Packaging and wrapping
We no longer use cellophane; poly ribbon or offer ‘aqua pack’ gift bouquets and have introduced the use of Eco wraps; biodegradable cellophane; twine; Jute mesh fabric; glassine and recyclable hat boxes and presentation boxes. We have crafted wooden pics to hold message cards instead of plastic versions. Wedding bouquets will be delivered in short glass vases in recyclable boxes and paper. Buttonholes will still be wired and taped as this is the only way to ensure they last the entire wedding day but will now be delivered in recycled boxes.
Containers
Rather than using plastic containers for our floral designs we consider more eco-friendly alternatives
such as bamboo trays; wooden crates, glass vases; metal containers and frog pin holders that can be used multiple times. Any plastic trays, bindings or water vials are recycled and used again and where possible glass vials are used rather than plastic.
Arches, hanging chandeliers pedestals and stands
We have a number of metal arches, chandeliers, pedestals both wooden and metal and display stands. These are long lasting and used multiple times to create backdrops and hanging floral installations. They are also available to other providers for hire, so that they are used again and again.
4. Business Practices
We use technology to provide estimates over the internet. This reduces the amount of paper and electricity required to print.
Delivery routes are planned carefully to reduce fuel emissions. The delivery van is a low emission diesel van with ‘add blue’.
We have partnerships with local businesses, wedding venues and funeral homes within 25 mile radius.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch please contact me via email felicity@amegafleur.co.uk.
Many thanks
Felicity x
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