Lots of companies import flowers into the UK using planes and refrigerated lorries, which leaves a carbon footprint. This growing awareness of how we grow, buy, harvest and eventually dispose of flowers has led to some alternatives.
You can send an alternative to a floral arrangement
A plant or tree will last a lot longer than flowers; people often refer to them as a living memorial.
Find a florist that offers ethically sourced flowers
This might mean they only use seasonal, locally grown flowers, which lowers the carbon footprint and supports local growers and farmers.
Choose a florist who uses as much biodegradable packaging as possible
Perhaps they use paper, raffia and natural twine instead of cellophane and plastic ribbons. Avoid any material that does not naturally degrade, such as floral foam or partially biodegradable “biofoam”.
Buy imported flowers from certified growers
If you cannot get locally grown flowers during the Winter. This means that the farmer gets a fair price for their flowers, and offers reassurance that the flowers don’t have harmful pesticides, bleach, paints or dyes on them.
Woodland burial sites usually ask for flowers to be biodegradable
This is to preserve the natural beauty of the area and the quality of the soil. You can read more about woodland burials.
