Environmental Working Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually and changes applied when implemented.

Here at Amega Fleur floral design, we absolutely love designing with beautiful flowers and foliages, but like many we are becoming increasingly aware of the impact our industry has on the environment. Nature is so clever but increasingly it is under pressure to stay in balance.

A huge amount of plastic ends up in landfill or in our oceans every year, which causes damages to wildlife, eco-systems and the natural environment.

Over the past few years I have introduced eco-friendly cleaning and recycling systems in my own home, whilst the floristry industry suppliers developed new ranges of biodegradable products and supplies available to us.

So we are excited to publish our Environmental Working Policy, which aims to reduce our carbon footprint, the waste we produce and to introduce more sustainable working practices. We are also members of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance.

The 4 main pillars within our working practise are:

1. Seasonality

2. Waste recyling and reduction

3. Mechanics - biodegradable oasis/moss/twigs/reusable frames/glass vases/reusable containers.

4. Business Practices.

1. SEASONAL FLOWERS

In the UK, British grown flowers are at their best between April and September. When possible we aim to work with local flower growers directly or via our wholesalers to purchase seasonal and British grown flowers to minimise the amount of transportation emissions. It is important to know that many flowers and foliages are imported from countries around the world via Aalsmeer Auctions in Holland. This is because the demand for flowers out of season has grown, in addition the growing conditions in other countries do not require artificial light, head and chemicals. We aim to choose product that have been grown and produced in an ethical and sustainable way. I grow a range of foliages in my own garden and at the studio such as Rosemary, Lavender, Aralia, Jasmine, Clematis and Ivy with many new shrubs being added this year. This enables me to ‘forage’ from my own garden as it is illegal to forage for foliages/flowers in the wild.

2. WASTE RECYCLING & REDUCTION

As a Studio florist, we are always careful when ordering flowers and foliages as we do not hold stocks in the same way as a High Street Florist. All of our floral designs are created from planned and accurate recipes to ensure both value to our clients and minimal wastage. Storage time is short so there is very little energy used on light, refrigeration or heating. When flowers and foliages are delivered they are usually packaged in paper, plastic wrap, and in boxes to ensure that they are protected and arrive healthy and blemish free. This creates different waste which are dealt with in the following way:

Green waste, such as stems and leaves are collected in a black bin and composted at home or recycled.
Plastic waste, is collected and recycled.
Cardboard and paper, is collected and recycled. Large cardboard boxes, where possible are returned to the wholesaler to reuse.
It is rare that we have any spare flowers due to our careful ordering, however if there are any spare they are donated to the Church at East Mersea for the local community to enjoy.

3. MECHANICS - Biodegradable, foam free and biodegradable products.

Minimal use of floral foam. First discovered and manufactured in 1954 by Mr V.L Smithers, Oasis floral foam revolutionised the floral industry and has since been seen as an essential tool in the flower industry. Unfortunately it is very environmentally unfriendly and it is estimated to take over 100 years to breakdown! Smithers Oasis have developed a biodegradable floral foam which takes 567 days to biodegrade and they continue to work on new sustainable products. Depending on the design require we are committed to use biodegradable floral foam, floral fibre or where possible; natural mechanics such as moss, twigs and reusable chicken wire.

Packaging & wrapping.

We no longer use cellophane, poly ribbon or offer ‘aqua pack’ gift bouquets and have introduced the use of Eco wraps, biodegradable cellophane, twine, jute mesh fabric, glassine and recyclable hat boxes and presentation boxes. We have crafted wooden pics to hold message cards instead of plastic versions. Wedding bouquets will be delivered in short recyclable soup containers in recyclable bouquet boxes and wrapping paper. Buttonholes will still be wired and taped as this is the only way to ensure they last the entire wedding day but are delivered in recyclable boxes.

Containers

Rather than using plastic containers for our floral designs we consider more eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo trays; wooden crated, glass vases, metal containers and frog pin holders which can be reused multiple times. Any plastic trays, bindings or water vials are recycled and used again and where possible glass vials are used rather than plastic.

Arches, hanging chandeliers, pedestals & stands.

We have a number of metal arches, chandeliers, pedestals both wooden and metal and display stands. These are long lasting and used multiple times to create backdrops and hanging floral installations. They are also available for hire, so that they are used again and again.

4. BUSINESS PRACTICES

We use technology to provide estimates over the internet via a Portal This reduces the amount of paper and electricity required to print. Delivery routes are planned carefully to reduce fuel emissions. The delivery van is a low emission diesel van with ‘add blue’. We have partnerships with local businesses, wedding venues and funeral homes within 25 mile radius. We are committed to working sustainably and have come members of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance. In addition, since 2021 we arrange for a tree to be planted for every couple who books with us to create their wedding florals.