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Sustainable Flowers: From Seed to Special Event
If you’re planning a special event, you probably know that “going green” is the latest thing. Recycled invitations, e-vites, and recycled glass containers are now common fare for eco-aware events – but you can also make your party greener by using sustainable flowers for your next event.
Be it a bat-mitzvah, wedding, or social gathering, party planners rely on flora of all kinds to convey the theme of their special night… but many aren’t aware of the influence a grower can have on the local environment. Flower suppliers can have a significant impact on greenhouse emissions, soil fertility, local wildlife and water supply, and can harm the local environment with dangerous chemicals and pesticides. Many specialty flowers are shipped in from overseas, so it’s also important to ensure your grower is working under fair labor laws.
Sustainable flowers are grown in ways that cultivate soil fertility, conserve water, capture carbon from the atmosphere, and prevent soil erosion. Organic growers are also responsible for protecting the local ecology by preserving local rivers, wetlands, wildlife, and culturally important areas by disposing of waste carefully. Not only that, but truly organic growers are careful to package and ship their product in ways that minimize impact on the environment.
Having sustainable flora doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your event’s vision, either – there are now many specialty organic growers and green party planners that cater to the most sophisticated of events. And if you’re not sure where to look, the Vera Flora Program is a great place to start; they certify sustainable floriculturists all around the country.
Keeping things regional is a great way to cut down on pollution and save on production cost. Choosing a local grower can also ensure the quality and freshness of the flowers you want – many a party planner can tell you horror stories of the flowers arriving the night before an event, withered beyond use.
Table décor and bouquets are just one element of a sustainable party – elegance can come from our local environment, too. There are many opportunities to incorporate local and natural elements such as river rocks and native potted plants into your party for a unique vision and truly green aesthetic.
The movement for sustainable events has never had more momentum – there are now networks of growers, wholesalers, caterers, and party planners that understand the impact their industry has on the environment. And with all these opportunities and eco-friendly inventiveness, sustainable events have never been more memorable!
About the Author
Doug Hahn
Douglas Hahn is a copywriter, creative writer, and avid reader. He’s been working in the industry for nearly a decade, and wants to see the world become a greener place.