Let’s quit with the shaming - good stuff is happening!
I admit I get mighty irritated by people who use social media to tell the world that the flower industry is some sort of cesspit of wrongdoing. Not only are they often incorrect but in some cases downright libellous - or slanderous if they've said it in a video.
They also seem to think it’s OK to make other florists feel guilty - especially about using foam and imported flowers.
To me that's like fat shaming; not only cruel but - as research shows on fat shaming - probably counter-productive, never mind failing to take into account that this is people's livelihoods they are having a go at.
Thing is I don’t think there is a single florist worth their salt who doesn’t want to be greener, cleaner, more sustainable.
What’s more most florists already ARE pretty green, clean and sustainable.
Because the vast majority of gift deliveries are hand tieds or presentation wraps which aren’t wrapped in swathes of cellophane or feature yards and yards of polyprop ribbon but are either naked or use planet friendly wrap, binding, tape and boxes simply because said florists have already made changes and are actively looking at how they can make more.
The same applies to event floristry. Where florists can go foam free they will without question. However there are also a lot of venues who won't allow water only designs because of the risk to artefacts and the fabric of ancient buildings and so foam is essential if said event florist wants to earn a living. Morals are great but sadly don't pay the rent or salary bill.
Funeral work has also seen major changes. Whilst the tribute to Her Majesty The Queen was raved about as being ground breaking I can tell you that florists throughout the UK have - where they can - been making natural, no foam tributes for years. It isn't a new phenomenon - heck it's how we used to make them years ago - it just hasn't had the same level of PR.
And as for imported flowers? Well not only does it allow for all year round trading – not everyone can shut for 3 – 6 months – but pretty much every flower that comes into the UK is part of at least one, if not more social and environmental programmes. Programmes that require growers to use water wisely, treat their staff well and only use permitted pesticides – that last one assuming they aren’t already one of the many who has chosen to go au natural.
It may not make for sensational headlines and huge outpouring on social media but the truth is change HAS been happening in the industry for over 25 years; I know because I’ve been reporting it since forever and - as you can see above - have the picture of me eating natural fertilisers back in 2003 to prove it! Oh yes and I made my Dad a totally foam free tribute too!
So please. To the people that think it's clever to try and pick holes or criticise the way people are making their living can you think twice before you start bashing away at the keyboard. IMO it isn't clever and actually it's bordering on the nasty.
The florist sector is not perfect – like every industry there is still more we can do - but let's celebrate the good as much as criticise the bad.
Caroline Marshall-Foster
Editor, Florist Trade Magazine
