Flori Sustainability Statement:
Flori pledges to apply the principles of the recognized four pillars of sustainability including environmental, social, cultural and economic for best business practice. In summary: Flori tries to choose the best eco-friendly and local flowers, design out waste, operate ethically and champion social justice and be involved at a community level.
Environmental:
Flori sources flowers that are grown locally, regionally and in the US and BC and tries to avoid all imported flowers and foliage following an 80/20 rule as a last resort. Flori prefers flowers grown using Salmon safe practices. All wraps and boxes are recycled through the local King County recycling program and through Ridwell. All botanical material is either gifted at the end of an event or composted. Floral foam is never used and alternatives are reusable chicken wire , natural branch armatures, twiggery, or eco-friendly foam alternatives such as Agrawool and Oshun pouches that are home compostable. Bleached foliage is never used. Painted flowers are never used. Flori also grows cut flowers with organic practices on a ΒΌ acre without using pesticides and has a certified King County Wildlife habitat on the property. Flori loves to incorporate native flora to connect customers to place. Vessels are rented for events and reused. Single use plastics are avoided or reused. Vases are often thrifted as a first choice rather than buying new. Flori is a member of Slow Flowers and Emerald Hour, two organizations that promote sustainability.
Social:
Flori pays a living wage for staff and supports diversity, equity and inclusion. Flori carries the appropriate insurance for all events and at the studio to protect freelance employees. Flori creates weddings and events for all and supports the LGBTQIA community and the BIPOC community. Flori is also a member of the Friends of Sammamish Valley, an organization in the local community to preserve agricultural land and created a video about local farmers in the Sammamish Valley. Flori also gives back to the community through donations to non profits and gifts leftover flowers to the local hospice. Flori tries to support the local Hmong flower farmers in Woodinville by purchasing flowers wholesale.
Cultural:
Flori researches all floral customs for various cultural communities to ensure that the customs and protocols are followed and has created florals for Hindu ceremonies and holidays, Quinceaneras and Buddhist funerals for example. Flori has studied Japanese Ikebana style.
Economic:
Flori strives to be profitable for long term growth, educates and communicate with customers and teaches at local garden clubs and presents to to promote sustainable floristry to a wider audience. Flori also promotes sustainable practices to peers and colleagues in a positive manner.