For Kamila at Bloomiér, running a business comes with a commitment to making positive environmental impacts and being socially responsible. Shoppers are no longer satisfied with simply a good product. More than ever before, consumers are now looking for brands and products that align with their own personal values.
When it comes to the floral industry, companies face a long list of challenges that contribute to a large environmental footprint: from shipping foreign blooms and using non-recyclable materials, to creating significant organic waste. These shops are often under pressure to keep inventory high in order to be perceived as successful and attractive to customers.
Breaking the Waste Cycle
Committing to breaking the cycle of waste means refusing some of the traditional models of running a floral business for Bloomiér.
Their first priorities were to eliminate the use of materials like floral foam and plastic wrap, source flowers locally wherever possible, and offer beautiful flowers in a mindful way.
Their next step was to implement a subscription business model. This allows them to understand their business’s demands, and to only source the flowers needed for each set of arrangements. With no extra stock on hand, there are no unused flowers to throw away. Scheduled flower deliveries are common in offices, but also offering this same convenience and floral inspiration to homes made this a feasible business model.
With a commitment to zero-waste and making the smallest possible environmental footprint, Bloomiér also saves flowers after large events by gathering gently-used blooms and turning them into beautiful bedside bouquets to donate to hospitals, hospices and long-term care facilities. Wanting to make positive change in the environment led Bloomiér to contributing to the community and finding meaning and joy in this process.
To make a positive environmental impact, everyone needs to be involved – from the government, to consumers, to small business owners like you. Make it easy for customers to choose sustainable options, and lead by example!
With thanks to Etsuko Photography and Korch Media for the photographs used in this article.