At Cash Impacts Flowers, we believe that bringing nature's beauty into your home shouldn't come at nature's expense. Sweden has a long tradition of environmental stewardship, and as a Swedish florist, we're committed to upholding these values in everything we do.
Today, we're sharing our journey toward sustainable floristry and the practices we've implemented to minimize our environmental footprint while still delivering the quality and beauty you expect.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Floristry
The floral industry has traditionally faced several environmental challenges:
- High carbon footprint from international shipping and refrigeration
- Chemical usage in growing processes
- Plastic waste from packaging and floral foam
- Water usage and potential contamination
- Seasonal limitations leading to unsustainable growing practices
Being aware of these issues is the first step toward addressing them. Here's how we're working to create change in our practices:
Our Sustainable Sourcing Commitment
1. Local First Approach
We prioritize flowers grown in Sweden whenever possible, particularly during our warmer months. Working with local growers not only reduces transportation emissions but also supports the Swedish agricultural economy and ensures fresher products for our customers.
During winter months when local options are limited, we source from European growers who meet specific environmental standards, avoiding air-freighted products from distant locations whenever possible.
2. Seasonal Focus
Our arrangements emphasize seasonal blooms, which require fewer resources to grow. This approach also connects our customers to the natural rhythm of the year and showcases the unique beauty each season offers.
We educate our customers about seasonal options and often suggest alternatives to out-of-season flowers that may have a higher environmental impact.
3. Organic and Certified Growers
We partner with growers who use organic methods or are certified by environmental organizations like MPS (Milieu Programma Sierteelt) or Swedish KRAV. These certifications ensure reduced chemical use and more sustainable growing practices.
Eco-Friendly Operations
1. Plastic Reduction
We've implemented several measures to minimize plastic use:
- Switched to paper wrapping for bouquets instead of cellophane
- Offer reusable vases and containers as alternatives to disposable options
- Eliminated floral foam (which contains microplastics) in favor of sustainable mechanics like chicken wire, twigs, and reusable pin frogs
- Use biodegradable plant labels and ties
2. Water Conservation
We've implemented a water recycling system in our shop, catching and filtering water for reuse. Our coolers use energy-efficient technology that requires less electricity for refrigeration while maintaining optimal conditions for our flowers.
3. Waste Reduction and Composting
Floral waste from our shop is composted locally, returning nutrients to the soil rather than ending up in landfill. We also donate arrangements that are still fresh but can't be sold to local nursing homes and hospitals, extending their lifecycle and bringing joy to others.
4. Green Delivery
For local deliveries in Stockholm, we use bicycle couriers or electric vehicles whenever possible. Our delivery routes are carefully planned to minimize distance traveled and reduce emissions.
Sustainable Products and Education
1. Longevity Focus
We select varieties known for their vase life and provide detailed care instructions to help customers extend the life of their flowers, reducing the frequency of replacement and associated resource use.
2. Dried and Preserved Options
We've expanded our offerings to include beautiful dried arrangements that last for months without water or refrigeration, providing a sustainable alternative for those looking for longer-lasting decor.
3. Customer Education
Through our website, in-store signage, and workshops, we educate customers about sustainable floristry practices they can implement at home, from composting flower waste to creating arrangements without floral foam.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We're constantly evaluating our practices and looking for ways to improve. Some of our goals for the coming year include:
- Further reducing our carbon footprint by optimizing our supply chain
- Exploring innovative, biodegradable packaging alternatives
- Expanding our partnerships with local, organic growers
- Offering more workshops on sustainable floristry techniques
We believe that beautiful flowers and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. By making thoughtful choices about how we source, design, and deliver our products, we can bring the joy of flowers into your life while respecting and protecting the natural world that inspires us.