8 Ways To More Sustainable Floral Arrangements
There are some easy ways to get more sustainable floral arrangements. Here are some of our best tips!
By Diane Small
Whether it’s for a wedding, a holiday celebration, or simply to make. your house look pretty, flowers are a wonderful choice.
Although they’re all-natural, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily good for the environment. That’s true for several reasons:
- Flowers are usually imported from far away. Kenya, Colombia and the Netherlands are three countries that are huge flower producers.
- Loads of pesticides are usually used to grow flowers.
- They’re packaged in tons of plastic, often with floral foam.
In fact, did you know that around 90% of flowers in the United States are imported from other countries? Once the processed flowers are loaded in a refrigerated truck, the race against time begins to ensure that these chilled flowers are delivered to their destination as preserved and intact as possible.
They’re taken to the cold storage facility near the airport upon arrival. They’re then prepped and packaged to be stacked and loaded in a chilled airplane and then delivered to various destinations. That’s a huge carbon footprint!
Luckily, there are plenty of options for decorating an event or your home with more sustainable floral arrangements. Here are 8 great tips to get you started!
8 Ways To More Sustainable Bouquets
1. Grow your own
The most obvious way to have more sustainable floral arrangements is to grow your own flowers. It’s always best to grow local blooms that are native to your area and which will thrive in your climate.
But it’s not just the flowers themselves you can grow: plant your own green foliage to complement your arrangements, too.
2. Use flowers that dry perfectly
If you’re creating or buying flower arrangements, you can make them last longer by drying them out. Some types of flowers, listed below, can be dried out easily, providing pretty sustainable floral arrangements for months to come.
These are, for example:
- baby’s breath
- calendula
- cornflower
- globe thistles
- hydrangea
- straw flowers
You can also collect green foliage that dries out well, too. Think of plants such as artemisia, eucalyptus, dill weed, rosemary, sage, prairie grass and ferns. These last ages when dried and look wonderful alongside dried blooms.
Image credit here.
3. Always ditch floral foam
Floral foam often forms the foundation of commercial flower arrangements. It acts as a water source to keep flowers fresh.
However, not only is floral foam usually single use, but it is also a petroleum-derived product made from two toxic chemicals – phenol and formaldehyde. This plastic material breaks down into smaller pieces eventually.
That sounds like a good thing, but nope. When it breaks down, it turns into microplastics. These harm wildlife when ingested. And eventually, microplastics find their way into our own food and water supply.
A much better option? Moss. It not only holds flowers in place, but can also be used as a natural water source for your flowers.
4. Use locally grown greenery
Sourcing flowers and foliage locally will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise synthetic chemicals sprayed into the natural environment.
You can find local flower farms that offer seasonal, local and organic blooms using the Grown Not Flown app, an app purposely built to help florists and customers find slow flower farms.
5. Source secondhand
Did you know that after large events, many organisers, brides and venue owners sell the floral arrangements? You can probably find some gorgeous bouquets if you go to your local Craig’s List or eBay and do a search.
You can even make an arrangement with your local church or event venue to inquire when they might have arrangements that match your needs. Zero waste flowers? Yes please!
6. Compost flower waste
Tons of flower waste is left in churches and event venues every day. The dying foliage creates a home for microbes that cause pollution, produce a harmful stench and even spread infectious diseases.
One way to manage flower waste is to compost it. This not only saves the environment from flower waste pollution but it also serves as a fertiliser.
Image credit here.
7. Insist on plastic-free packaging
For more sustainable floral arrangements, always insist on going plastic-free. Insist the florist skip the cellophane and wraps your bouquets in natural, biodegradable materials such as recycled paper instead. Oh, and instead of using ribbons made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester, ask for string or ribbon made of natural fibres such as cotton, hemp or silk instead.
8. Go organic
Our final way to have more sustainable floral arrangements is to go for organic flowers. This is always the best option, whether your blooms are home-grown or not. But if you can’t get locally sourced plants, recycled bouquets or grow your own, at least you can ask your local florist if they offer organic flowers and foliage.
FAQs on Sustainable Flower Arrangements
What makes a floral arrangement sustainable?
A sustainable floral arrangement uses locally grown, seasonal flowers, avoids floral foam, and incorporates reusable or biodegradable materials. It also considers the full lifecycle of the arrangement—from how the flowers are grown to how they’re disposed of.
Why should I avoid floral foam?
Traditional floral foam is made from microplastics that don’t biodegrade and can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Eco-friendly alternatives include chicken wire, reusable metal frogs, or simply arranging stems in water-filled vessels.
Are locally grown flowers better?
Yes. Locally grown flowers typically have a lower carbon footprint because they don’t require long-distance transportation or energy-intensive storage. They’re also fresher and often last longer.
Can I use dried flowers instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Dried flowers can be reused for months or even years, making them a more sustainable option. They also add texture and a timeless aesthetic to your arrangements.
How can I make cut flowers last longer?
Trim stems regularly, change the water every couple of days, and keep arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Using clean vases and removing wilted stems also helps extend their lifespan.
What are some eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wrapping?
Instead of plastic wrap, opt for kraft paper, fabric wraps (like furoshiki), or reusable containers. These options are biodegradable or reusable and add a more thoughtful touch.
Can I compost my floral arrangements?
Yes, most natural flowers and foliage can be composted once they’ve reached the end of their life. Just be sure to remove any non-compostable elements like wire, tape, or synthetic ribbons first.
Is it possible to grow my own flowers for arrangements?
Growing your own flowers is one of the most sustainable options. Even a small garden or balcony can produce herbs, wildflowers, or seasonal blooms that you can use in arrangements.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable floral arrangements are a beautiful reminder that even the smallest details in our homes and celebrations can be approached more thoughtfully. By choosing seasonal blooms, avoiding harmful materials, and embracing reusable or natural elements, you can create arrangements that are as kind to the planet as they are visually striking.
It’s not about sacrificing beauty, but redefining it. Imperfect stems, wild textures, and locally grown flowers often carry more character and meaning than conventional, mass-produced bouquets. They tell a story—of place, season, and care.
Ultimately, sustainable floristry invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re arranging a simple bunch from your garden or curating a centrepiece for a special occasion, each mindful choice contributes to a more conscious and creative way of living.
Do you have any other tips for more sustainable flowers and foliage? Let us know in the comments if so!
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