How Green Are My Flowers?
Here at Flowers Magazine, we’ve been looking at sustainable and “green” ways of working in our industry for a long time — in fact, this conversation started way back in Issue 13 (December 2006) of Australian Flower Industry with a feature titled How Green Are My Flowers?
It’s interesting to look back at that story and realise how relevant it still is today. Even then, the focus was shifting from how beautiful or long-lasting a flower was, to how responsibly it was grown, transported and sold.
The green question that still matters
Customers are asking more questions than ever before. Where are these flowers grown? Who’s growing them? What happens along the way? They’re looking for more than colour and scent — they want to feel good about what they’re buying and know that their purchase supports ethical, environmentally conscious practices.
That 2006 article highlighted how international flower markets were already introducing certification programs to help consumers make informed choices. These included eco-labels and fair-trade style systems that recognised growers for using sustainable farming practices, conserving water, managing waste, protecting ecosystems and supporting fair working conditions.
Sustainability isn’t a single label
The best part of revisiting this story is the reminder that “green” isn’t just about ticking one box. True sustainability touches everything — how flowers are produced, how people are treated, how resources are used, and how transparently we communicate all of it.
For today’s florists, growers and wholesalers, it’s about turning those values into everyday decisions:
- Choosing local when possible
- Asking suppliers about their growing and packaging practices
- Minimising waste and rethinking materials in the studio
- Sharing your efforts openly with your customers
Even small steps create momentum and help set higher expectations across the whole industry.
Three questions to keep asking
- Where were these flowers grown and what standards guide that farm’s practices?
- How are water, energy and chemical inputs managed — especially for high-turnover crops?
- Is there any certification, accreditation or local assurance that backs sustainability claims?
Asking these questions (and sharing the answers with your customers) builds trust. It also gives you better language for your marketing, signage and socials — and helps people choose better without needing to be experts.
A long-term commitment
Sustainability in floristry isn’t a trend. It’s a mindset that continues to evolve, and it’s something our industry has been quietly working on for decades.
At Flowers Magazine, we’re proud to have been part of that conversation since 2006, and we’ll keep shining a light on new ideas, innovations and practical steps that help florists and growers create beauty that lasts — for both people and the planet.
Originally inspired by “How Green Are My Flowers?”, published in Australian Flower Industry, Issue 13 (December 2006), pages 22–23. Original article author unlisted.