How to Choose a Bouquet With Less Plastic and a Smaller Carbon Footprint
Flowers are all about care and joy—but sometimes behind the beautiful presentation there’s a lot of unnecessary plastic and not-so-eco-friendly delivery. The good news is that you can pick a bouquet that looks stylish while leaving a smaller footprint. Especially if you prefer to order flowers online liverpool, online shopping lets you check the packaging, bouquet style, and delivery options in advance.
1) Choose seasonal and locally available flowers
One of the easiest ways to reduce a bouquet’s carbon footprint is to pick seasonal flowers. They usually require less long-distance transport and less energy-intensive cold storage, which often makes them both fresher and more sustainable. If you see options like “florist’s choice” or “seasonal mix,” they’re typically great eco-friendly picks—florists use what’s freshest and most readily available.
2) Look for plastic-free packaging
Packaging makes a big difference. More sustainable bouquets often use:
- kraft or matte paper instead of glossy wrap
- paper tape rather than plastic tape
- fabric/cotton ribbons instead of synthetic bows
- minimal film and fewer plastic inserts
If a product description mentions “eco wrap” or “plastic-free packaging,” that’s a good sign. If the wrap looks shiny and heavily layered, it often includes plastic.
3) Delivery choices matter: fewer trips = fewer emissions
Sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s also about transport. To reduce emissions:
- choose next-day or scheduled delivery (routes are easier to plan efficiently)
- send flowers to an address where someone can definitely receive them (office reception/concierge) to avoid re-delivery attempts
- combine gifts into one order when possible instead of placing multiple deliveries
4) Vases and add-ons: what’s actually greener?
A vase isn’t always “bad.” If it’s something the recipient will reuse for years, it can be more sustainable than disposable decorations. What’s best to avoid: plastic toppers, glittery one-time decor, and unnecessary extras. Often the most eco-friendly choice is a beautiful bouquet plus a thoughtful card—nothing more.
5) Make the bouquet last longer (less waste, more value)
The longer flowers stay fresh, the more sustainable the gift:
- trim stems at an angle
- change water every 1–2 days
- remove leaves below the waterline
- keep the bouquet away from heat and direct sunlight
Sustainable floristry isn’t about being boring—it’s about mindful choices: less plastic, more seasonality, and smarter delivery. Even when you order flowers online liverpool, you can give something beautiful in a way that’s kinder to the planet.
