Ethan Clarke
Flowers are a wonderful gift to give or receive, but they often come with an unwanted extra: plastic. From protective plastic coverings to foam, floristry has a plastic problem. The plastic used to wrap flowers is intended to protect them during transport and against inclement weather conditions, but it's important to remove it as soon as possible to let the flowers breathe. Leaving the plastic on can cause flowers to wilt due to overheating. So, what can we do to reduce plastic waste when it comes to flowers? The burgeoning slow flowers movement encourages the use of locally grown, seasonal flowers, designed without plastics or other harmful floristry practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to remove plastic wrapping | As soon as flowers are brought indoors |
| Why remove plastic wrapping | To let flowers breathe and acclimatise, and to avoid the buildup of ethylene gas |
| Plastic wrapping during transport | Recommended to protect flowers from inclement weather conditions |
| Plastic waste in floristry | Foam is a single-use plastic that is detrimental to the environment |
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What You'll Learn
- When giving flowers as a gift, should you remove the plastic wrapping?
- The environmental impact of plastic used in flower arrangements
- The slow flowers movement: locally-grown, seasonal flowers without plastic
- Ethylene gas from fruit and cigarette smoke is harmful to flowers
- Tips for keeping delivered flowers fresh
When giving flowers as a gift, should you remove the plastic wrapping?
When giving flowers as a gift, there are a few things to consider regarding the plastic wrapping. Firstly, the plastic wrapping serves a purpose during transport, protecting the flowers from damage and inclement weather conditions. It is also important to note that some recipients may prefer to have the flowers presented without the plastic, especially if they wish to display them in a vase or if they are concerned about plastic waste.
On the one hand, some people suggest leaving the plastic wrapping on until the flowers are presented to the recipient. This can be a considerate option if you are unsure whether the recipient has a vase or other container readily available to display the flowers. Leaving the flowers wrapped may also be more convenient for the recipient if they need to transport the flowers again, such as when taking them home from your location.
On the other hand, removing the plastic wrapping allows the flowers to breathe and acclimate to their new environment. It is recommended to remove the plastic as soon as possible to prevent the flowers from wilting due to ethylene gas exposure or overheating. Removing the plastic also allows the recipient to fully appreciate the beauty of the flowers, as they often look prettier without the wrapping.
Ultimately, the decision to remove the plastic wrapping or not depends on the specific context and your judgment of the situation. If you are unsure, it may be a good idea to leave the wrapping on until the flowers are presented, and then assist the recipient in removing the plastic and preparing the flowers for display if needed. This way, you ensure the flowers are protected during transport and can be enjoyed to the fullest by the recipient.
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The environmental impact of plastic used in flower arrangements
The use of plastic in flower arrangements has significant environmental implications. While plastic wrapping is commonly used to protect flowers during transport and against inclement weather conditions, it is essential to dispose of it properly once the flowers are delivered. However, the plastic wrapping used for flowers is often lightweight and flimsy, making it prone to blowing away from landfills and into nearby water sources, contributing to water pollution.
Floral foam, a type of plastic, is another major source of plastic waste in the flower industry. This non-biodegradable material is widely used in flower arrangements for its convenience and functionality. However, it contains harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which pose risks to both the environment and human health. When floral foam breaks down, it disintegrates into microplastics, contaminating ecosystems and water supplies. These microplastics can have adverse effects on aquatic life and potentially impact human health through bioaccumulation.
The flower industry's plastic waste problem is not limited to plastic wrapping and floral foam. The global flower trade involves transporting flowers from the Global South to various destinations worldwide, often wrapped in plastic and arranged in floral foam. This contributes to the carbon footprint of the industry, and the plastic waste generated during transportation can end up in landfills or natural environments, further exacerbating pollution.
To address the environmental impact of plastic in flower arrangements, some florists are embracing the slow flowers movement, which promotes the use of locally grown, seasonal flowers and discourages the use of plastics and other harmful practices. Organizations like the Sustainable Floristry Network in Australia and the Sustainable Cut-Flowers Project in the United Kingdom are also working to shift the industry towards more sustainable practices. Additionally, individuals can make environmentally friendly choices by supporting florists who avoid using plastic and floral foam and opting for local and seasonal flowers whenever possible.
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The slow flowers movement: locally-grown, seasonal flowers without plastic
The idea of the Slow Flowers Movement is to encourage people to think about floral purchases in the same way they would approach food—to buy locally grown flowers or grow them yourself. The movement was launched by florist and journalist Debra Prinzing to encourage conscious choices when growing and buying cut flowers.
The Slow Flowers Movement promotes the idea of enjoying flowers grown with sustainable farming practices, harvested in their natural season of bloom, sourced as close to the consumer as possible, and produced by florists who are using green, chemical-free design techniques. For florists, it means small-scale, sustainable farming practices, like growing flowers outside instead of in energy-consuming greenhouses, reducing or eliminating pesticides and herbicides, strict water management, and no plastic packaging. For customers, it means buying locally and in-season.
The movement is gaining momentum with the Sustainable Floristry Network in Australia, the Sustainable Cut-Flowers Project in the United Kingdom, and flower farmers and florists around the world working to shift the industry to one that is green rather than just greenwashing. Prinzing has also created an online database that connects florists, wedding and event planners, and other flower consumers to local and domestic growers.
The Slow Flowers Movement is about inspiring growers, florists, and buyers to use and grow blooms that are local, seasonal, and sustainable. Buying seasonal flowers is the most environmentally-friendly thing we can do as they are usually grown in a natural, less resource-intensive way and without much artificial intervention. Buying local is also important, but only after seasonality—locally produced, but out-of-season flowers were most likely grown in a greenhouse in a very energy-intensive way.
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Ethylene gas from fruit and cigarette smoke is harmful to flowers
Flowers are often delivered in plastic wrapping to protect them during transport and against inclement weather conditions. However, it is recommended to remove the plastic wrapping as soon as the flowers are brought indoors to let them breathe and acclimate.
One reason why it is important to remove the plastic wrapping from flowers is to prevent the buildup of ethylene gas. Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that is colorless and odorless, making it challenging to detect without specialized instruments. It is produced by ripening fruits and vegetables, flowers, and combustion processes, such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes. Ethylene is known as the "'silent killer' in floriculture", as it can cause premature flower death, leaf and flower fall, and leaf yellowing.
The sensitivity to ethylene varies among flower, fruit, and plant species, with some flowers being highly sensitive, such as gypsophilia (baby's breath) and carnations. When flowers are exposed to ethylene gas, they may exhibit symptoms similar to over-watering or a lack of moisture. The negative effects of ethylene gas can be prevented or reduced by avoiding exposing flowers to ripening fruit and cigarette smoke.
To maintain the freshness of flowers, it is recommended to keep them away from ripening fruits, as they release ethylene gas, which can hasten the aging and spoilage of flowers. Similarly, cigarette smoke contains ethylene gas, and exposing flowers to heavy smoke can be detrimental. By taking these precautions, you can help prolong the life of your flowers and prevent the harmful effects of ethylene gas.
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Tips for keeping delivered flowers fresh
Flowers are a wonderful way to show you care, and learning how to keep them fresh is an integral part of the process. Here are some tips to keep your delivered flowers fresh:
Remove the Plastic Wrapping
As soon as you receive the flowers, remove the plastic wrapping. This allows the flowers to breathe and acclimatize to their new environment.
Keep Them Cool
Flowers last longer when kept in a cool climate. If you're not displaying your flowers right away, store them in a refrigerator set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Make sure to clear a shelf and place the flowers in a vase that is three-quarters full of clean water.
Keep Them Hydrated
Keep the vase filled with water, ensuring that all flower and foliage stems are submerged. If you're transporting flowers, keep the stems wrapped in a damp paper towel to prevent wilting and place them in water once they reach their destination.
Clean the Vase
Bacteria and fungi are some of the biggest reasons flowers deteriorate quickly. Always clean your vase thoroughly before use, and when the water gets cloudy, change it out. Remove any dead or dying flowers, clean the vase with soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and replace the water.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can cause flowers to wilt and brown. Avoid placing your flowers near heat sources or direct sunlight, and keep them away from fruit, which emits ethylene gas and speeds up the blooming process.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not leave flowers in plastic. As soon as you receive the flowers, it is recommended to remove the plastic wrapping to let the flowers breathe and adjust to their new environment.
Flowers are delicate and can be harmed by extreme temperatures. Plastic wrapping can trap heat, causing the flowers to wilt.
Some common mistakes to avoid when receiving flowers are placing them near fruit or cigarette smoke, both of which can release ethylene gas that is harmful to flowers, and placing them in direct sunlight or drafts, which can cause wilting.
The slow flowers movement advocates for the use of locally grown, seasonal flowers, and discourages the use of plastics and other harmful practices in floristry. This movement aims to reduce the environmental impact of the floristry industry.
Some alternatives to plastic in floristry include using sustainable and biodegradable materials such as paper, ribbon, or natural foam alternatives.
