An Eco-Conscious Trend: How Florists Are Using Local Flowers to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Their Designs

Bunches of locally-grown flowers are organized on metal shelves inside a floral cooler

In 2007, Amy Stewart took readers on a behind-the-scenes journey to the world of flowers in her New York Times bestseller Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful.  For many, this book was the first time they considered the work it took to bring flowers to their kitchen table regardless of the season – and at what cost to our planet. 

In the years since this book, some positive changes have been seen on a small scale.  Debra Prinzing jumpstarted a surge of interest in sustainable, local flowers with Slow Flowers, both the book in 2013 and the community of the same name in 2014.  But both she and Stewart were not the first to challenge the global flower industry or promote commercial production on a small scale.  The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, considered by many to be one of the best professional resources for cut flower growers in the United States, has been spreading this message since 1988.  

Because flowers are a natural product, there is a misconception that they are environmentally friendly.  Since this message of producing blooms of the highest quality without harming the earth has been around for so long, and with climate experts urging all sectors to prioritize sustainability, it may come as a surprise that the floral industry still has a significant environmental impact.  The floral industry at large is still criticized for its excessive consumption of fossil fuel, its contribution to plastic and microplastic pollution in the natural world, its unregulated levels of harmful pesticides and harmful chemicals, and high amounts of trash sent to landfills.  

Now more than ever, florists across the United States are relying on locally grown products, such as those promoted by Debra Prinzing and the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, to reduce the environmental impact of their designs.

Less Waste, Less Pollution.  Traditional floral supply chains rely heavily on plastic packaging and floral foam, both of which contribute to landfill waste and microplastic pollution.  Local flowers, on the other hand, are typically bundled simply with a rubber band and, only when needed, a compostable kraft paper sleeve. This drastically reduces the amount of non-recyclable material that ends up in the trash.

Lower Carbon Footprint. Imported flowers travel thousands of miles in refrigerated cargo, consuming significant fossil fuels along the way.  Flowers grown out of their natural season are also grown in artificially controlled environments that require high energy inputs. Sourcing from local farms eliminates long-haul shipping and reduces overall carbon emissions, making each stem a more sustainable choice.

Safe for People, Pollinators, & the Earth:  Most local flower farms use organic-approved interventions, and many choose to go spray-free altogether, meaning that their flowers are free from harmful pesticide residues.  This makes them safe to handle, safe to compost, and more ethical for farmworkers, pollinators, and soil health.  Instead of contributing to chemical runoff and environmental toxicity, locally grown blooms can be safely composted and repurposed to replenish topsoil – a critical resource that is degrading faster than it can be restored in nature due in part to unsustainable farming practices.

The climate crisis is dire, and we all have a part to play in keeping our planet safe and clean.  Minimal packaging, low field-to-vase miles, and environmentally conscious growing practices found with locally grown flowers a healthier and more sustainable option without impacting florists’ bottom line.