Title: Review sustainability and eco-friendly practices used in the floral design industry.
Course: Floral Design II (18056-II) > Section: Applying Safety Practices and Procedures in Floral Design

Review should include

- definition of sustainable floristry as supporting the environmental, social, and economic requirements of present and future generations
- sustainable materials (e.g., using reusable, recyclable or compostable vases and containers; sourcing local in-season flowers; using natural materials to include moss, dried flowers, and vines)
- sustainable practices (e.g., local sourcing, minimizing carbon footprint, minimizing landfill debris, composting, incorporating eco-friendly practices into floral designs, using eco-friendly packaging materials, selecting floral foam alternatives, and using dried flowers and preserved elements)
- reduction or elimination of single use and/or micro plastics
- composting botanical scraps
- preservation of flowers
- repurposing and upcycling (e.g., reuse and recycle vases; store credit for returned vases; bring your own vase/container)
- floral selection (hardy vs. fragile)
- education (i.e., for employees, customers).

Teacher Resources:

- Sustainable Flowers Guide, Washington University in St. Louis
- Sustainability – Driving the Future of the Floral Industry, American Floral Endowment

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why would sustainability be an important practice in the floriculture industry?
- What are some sustainable practices that ensure one is a responsible steward of the Earth?
- How can one educate customers on sustainability practices and its importance in the floral industry?
- What are sustainable flowers?
- What choices can a sustainable florist make to protect the health of the earth, the environment, and the people touched in all aspects of the short life of a cut flower?
- How can disposing of shipping materials (e.g., cardboard, paper, plastic) impact environmental sustainability?
- Why should plant and flower debris be composted or sent to a natural resource recycling center?
- What are the best care and handling guidelines developed by the American Floral Endowment (AFE) researchers?
- What determines the carbon footprint of the floral industry?