A great movement has been gaining strength in which people find ways to be less wasteful in their daily lives. Buying locally sourced flowers is a beautiful way to do that!
Over the years, there have been some occasions in which we have ordered flowers or greens from outside vendors to help supplement blooms and foliage that have been requested for events like weddings, so we have seen first hand the kind of waste that this produces. Extra products that might come in some of these shipments may include: cardboard, plastic wrapping, plastic ties, rubber bands, styrofoam, cellophane, paper, or all of the above. Just for one order of one kind of flower!
Whenever possible, we use compostable materials in our production activities, but in the spirit of transparency, we acknowledge that we do use some plastic trays, cells, and containers for seed starting, as well as some plastics to help us with weed control and season extension; however, we try to source sturdier materials that will last at least several seasons and take care of them so that they last as long as possible before we consider ordering more.
However, a major goal of ours is to greatly minimize any potential supplemental ordering (for some of the bigger events we do) by increasing our production activities. This means growing more of the flowers that we love using (and that our clients love seeing!) each year.
Be assured that when you leave our farm with a bouquet in hand, the only waste you’ll likely have is not more than a rubber band and maybe a paper wrap! The flowers themselves can be composted, and if you have your arrangement in a vase or jar, those are easily recycled or reused. (We even gladly accept our mason jars and vases back once you’re done with them.)
We hope that if one of your goals is to reduce waste, that you think of Shepherd’s Gate Flower Farm or one of your own local flower farmers! Believe us when we say that the support that you give to your local, family farms is much appreciated and benefits not only your local communities but also the environment in which we all live.
Have a beautiful day!
The Team at Shepherd’s Gate Flower Farm
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