Eco-Friendly Floral Décor: How Monica’s Flowerdeli is Going Green

 

In an era defined by environmental consciousness, the beauty industry, including floristry, is recognizing its responsibility to the planet. For years, the convenience of non-biodegradable floral foam, single-use plastic wrap, and globally-sourced blooms has overshadowed their environmental cost. We believe that true beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of Mother Earth. We are deeply committed to transforming our practices to deliver stunning floral décor that is genuinely sustainable.

The journey toward an eco-friendly floristry model is comprehensive, touching every aspect of our operation from sourcing and design mechanics to waste management and packaging. This is more than a trend; it's a foundational shift in how we approach our art.

 

Ditching the Green Sponge: Foam-Free Design

One of the single biggest changes a florist can make is eliminating the use of traditional floral foam (often called Oasis). This popular, bright green spongy material is a non-biodegradable plastic containing toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, which never breaks down in landfills.

We have proudly committed to becoming a 100% green operation. Our designers are continually innovating and returning to traditional, time-honoured mechanics that are better for the environment:

• Chicken Wire & Grids: For large installations and vase arrangements, we mould reusable chicken wire into structures that provide sturdy support without the need for foam.
• Kenzan (Flower Frogs): These heavy metal pin frogs, originally used in the Japanese art of Ikebana, secure stems beautifully at the base of a vessel and can be reused indefinitely.
• Natural Materials: We utilize wet moss, twigs, and gravel to create natural, water-retaining bases that are entirely compostable.
• Compostable Alternatives: When a dense, foam-like structure is truly required, we opt for newer biodegradable or mineral-based floral media that break down naturally.

This commitment to foam-free design ensures that the stunning tablescapes and event installations we create leave behind only memories, not microplastics.

 

Sourcing with a Conscience: Local and Low-Carbon

The carbon footprint of the floral industry is notoriously high, often due to the global transportation of blooms grown in energy-intensive, heated greenhouses far from the consumer. We tackle this challenge through conscientious sourcing.

• Prioritizing Local and Seasonal: Our first choice is always to partner with local flower farmers. By prioritizing seasonal blooms grown within our region, we dramatically reduce the need for long-distance air and refrigerated truck freight, significantly lowering our carbon emissions. This also ensures that our customers receive the freshest, longest-lasting, and often most fragrant flowers.
• Reducing Chemical Use: We actively seek out local partners who utilize organic or sustainable growing practices, minimizing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This protects the health of the land, local waterways, and the workers who handle the blooms.
• Transparency in Imports: When a certain bloom must be imported for a client's specific request, Monica's Flowerdeli works only with suppliers who provide certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance. These certifications ensure ethical labour practices and environmental standards are upheld, even for flowers that travel long distances.

 

The Circular Economy: Waste and Packaging

Sustainability is a mindset that applies to everything that enters and exits our studio—especially waste.

Zero-Waste Design Practices

• Composting: All floral offcuts, wilted blooms, leaves, and stems from our workshop are rigorously sorted and composted. This organic waste is turned into nutrient-rich soil rather than being sent to a landfill where it would produce methane.
• Drying and Preserving: We minimize the disposal of unsold, beautiful blooms by air-drying them. These dried elements are then repurposed into long-lasting, bohemian-style arrangements and home décor items, giving the flowers a second life.
• Vase & Container Reuse Program: We encourage customers to return their glass vases and ceramic containers for either a discount on their next order or a simple refill. Our commitment to recyclable or reusable vessels reduces the constant need for new manufacturing.

 

Eco-Conscious Packaging

We have eliminated single-use plastic in our packaging in favour of natural, biodegradable, and recyclable alternatives:

• Wrapping: We use recycled kraft paper, tissue paper, and biodegradable cellophane (made from plant starch) to wrap our bouquets.
• Ribbons and Twine: Synthetic satin or plastic ribbons have been replaced with natural materials like jute twine, hemp, or botanically-dyed silk ribbons, which are both elegant and compostable.

 

A Sustainable Future, Hand-Tied for You

The transition to an eco-friendly model is a continuous process that requires innovation, effort, and commitment. Our mission is simple: to create floral arrangements and event décor that are breathtakingly beautiful while supporting a healthier environment.

When you choose us, you are not just selecting a gorgeous bouquet; you are supporting local farms, minimizing waste, and investing in a flower shop that truly puts the planet first. We invite you to join us on this green journey, because the most beautiful flowers are those that help the world bloom.