Declaring yourself sustainable is not just a question of buying British, avoiding pesticides, going plastic free, promoting farm-to-vase flowers or using carbon neutral couriers. Consider, does the florist have a seasonal mindset? Seasonal blooms are more likely to be grown locally and without the need for a high energy greenhouse or travel. Sustainability in the flower industry means making choices that protect the health of the environment, the earth and the people involved in all aspects of the cut flower.
‘As with other ethical decisions, different consumers have different priorities,’ says Dr Jill Timms at Coventry University who has been shortlisted for an award for her research into ethical consumerism in the flower industry. ‘Some customers will be willing to pay more for flowers they can have assurances from, particularly if they are purchasing for a special occasion – such as a gift or a wedding, where they don’t want to use flowers that could be tainted by any negative impact on people or planet.’
Arena Flowers
Loved by the eco set, Arena Flowers wears the crown as the industry’s most ethical and sustainable brand. They were the first flower business to wave goodbye to and ban single-use plastics – opting instead for compostable packaging. Its mission is to be the first carbon-neutral flower delivery business and to remove 300,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere by planting over a million mangrove trees. For every delivery Arena Flowers make, they plant two trees (one on behalf of the sender, and one on behalf of the recipient). Their efforts don’t go unnoticed. For the last four years, Arena Flowers has earned a 100/100 score in the independent Ethical Company Index. The brains behind the brand (CEO, John Hackett) says they do all this, not because of pressure from regulators, but because they believe this is the only way a business should behave. Admirable. Explore more.
Flowerbx
The go-to online florist for the fashion pack, Flowerbx believes in the eco-responsibility and sustainability of flower deliveries. The brand achieves this by several ways. For starters, it operates on a cut-to-order ethos ensuring each stem is selected for purpose (direct from sustainable growers) – meaning that flowers are never discarded to landfill. Additionally, Flowerbx works to a seasonal calendar allowing customers to buy according to the month-on-month floral evolution as nature intended. Bunches of blooms will arrive in recyclable cardboard and paper packaging and customers can opt for same day zero emission deliveries. Other elements to the delivery such as flower food sachets and water pads are fully compostable. It’s the little details that count. Explore more.
Amarante London
Far from just paying lip service to sustainability, Amarante London sells the best sustainable alternative to fresh flowers. Their preserved long-lasting Fairtrade and B-Corp certified roses can last up to a minimum of one year meaning no need to purchase fresh flowers more frequently. They are unique in its commitment, in that they hold zero stock and thus, create no waste. Amarante London recognises that for every flower picked and shipped, there is a certain amount of CO2 emitted. By only picking what they need and respecting the produce, they ensure that they create the least carbon emissions possible. Their partner farmers meet and exceed Fairtrade standards meaning they work in safe conditions, are fairly compensated and have control of their own profits. What’s more, they plant more than they pick as for every order and installation, they plant trees contributing to global reforestation projects. Explore more.
Bloom & Wild
There’s no doubt that sustainability is central to the business strategy of Bloom & Wild which is officially carbon neutral and has been offsetting all the carbon emissions from their bouquets since 2020. Over 70 per cent of its deliveries are by foot, bike or electric van and the company is rapidly growing the number of deliveries made with zero-emissions partners like XeroE. Next plan is to go from carbon neutral to net zero emissions and to build a model that maps the carbon footprint for each individual flower stem (they’re currently working on making the data watertight before rolling this out). It will allow Bloom & Wild to curate bouquets based on a carbon budget, not just a financial one. Forward thinking at its best. Explore more.
Prestige Flowers
Prestige Flowers happily shouts about its very clear mission: to protect and preserve the planet. For over a decade, it has been considered one of the most ethical florists in the country. Plus, it was recently awarded with the Ethical Company Award. How did they achieve this? The brand abolished single use plastics, instead opting for fully recyclable, compostable products. To reduce the size of their carbon footprint, they adapted ethical practices both from production to despatch. What’s more, working with only the very best of flower farms, they are strictly audited to ensure worker rights, ethical production and sustainability are fully adhered to. The cherry on the top? They actively support the wildflowers campaign to help protect Britain’s rarest little animals at risk of extinction. And by planting wildflowers all over the UK, they help keep the planet buzzing. Explore more.
By Annabel Jack
July 2023
