These days whenever we use the word, “eco” it can no longer just connote ecological, but economical should come to mind as well. Since these two concepts are inextricably tied, we as a country and a planet can only expect to achieve true sustainability by being eco-wise.
This is the philosophy on which I’m for REAL, my floral shop based in Toronto, was founded. It was 2004 when I placed my first order for certified organic roses and calla lilies, necessitating a drive to Niagara Falls, New York to import them. Unfortunately, no one was interested in buying them at the wholesale level and few at the retail level and it wasn’t until recently that “green” flowers caught the attention of the public.
In the past year, I have started create designs using exclusively, ecologically responsible components. What this typically means is that customers can be assured that an extra effort has been made to use eco-certified flowers when fresh cut stems are needed. The certification is conducted by a neutral third-party, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) for Veriflora. I’ve selected to use flowers with this program because it is a sustainably certified program which was established to provide stringent sustainability performance standards for growers and handlers of cut flowers and potted plants. When we are sustainable, we are able to meet our current needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to do the same. This addresses a full range of product quality, social responsibility and environmental protection issues.
So it is vital that not only florists, but growers, distributors and everyone along the supply chain be cognizant of what we’re working with and selling to our customers. Our industry, like many others must now look beyond consumption to stewardship and the true cost of our earning capacity.
I’m for REAL operates as a retail shop situated within an urban hospital catering mostly to staff and visitors, but designing also for special events, graduations and funerals. The sustainably grown flowers were favourably viewed for entry into certain areas where patient health like respiratory concerns and biological organisms were touchy issues. Flowers that we knew to be certified organic or transition organic were hugely popular among certain customers who wanted to ensure that relatives with sensitivities, allergies or asthma had the least chance of being negatively affected.
One increasingly common recommendation for customers who want enduring beauty on a budget is the option of permanent botanicals that are natural and handcrafted, and are not going to sit in a landfill for hundreds of years as the polyblends do. We’ve decided to carry a brand of florals called Florganique, which are permanent florals made from the sola pith plant.
As an eco-florist, you always want to do the best for the environment and your customers by offering the most carbon neutral options. While there are only a few local flower growers that are either in the process of becoming (transition) or already are certified organic, many more can give you their personal assurance of their pesticide-free operating procedures without third-party verification and credibility and personal relationship would be the key concepts here.
Without the use of a cooler, we at I’m for REAL manage to keep blooms at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, yet we consistently gets positive feedback from its clientele about the longevity of their product. We’ve learned what species are best and when to buy them so that are customers typically get two to three weeks after they’re taken home.
Here are some tips for those wanting to have a more environmentally-responsible business:
• Compost your clipping and use them in your garden or to create your own fertilizer for your potted plants;
• Re-use packaging whenever possible—you’d be surprised to find out how many customers will respect you more for giving them their purchases in reused corrugated boxes instead of the waste associated with all the rainbow of ribbons, bows and plastics;
• Use real cellophane — it is biodegradable and made from a plant source. If what you’re using doesn’t burn like paper, chances are it will sit in a landfill for several hundred years;
• Start using a paperless ordering system when contacting your suppliers
• Compile an electronic database of your customers and send them reminders and specials this way. It’s faster, costs nothing for postage and can more easily be forwarded to interested friends.
• If your arrangement calls for candles, use only those made from a renewable resource such as soya (vegans will love you for your thoughtfulness) or beeswax. Paraffin candles, which are made from petrochemicals, are passé. They release volatile organic compounds into the air.
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