"It's time to stop tip-toeing around the pool and jump into the deep end, head first. It's time to think big, want more and achieve it all."
There are so many ways that we can all be more actively environmentally friendly in our actions, but like many I am very aware that I am simply not trying hard enough. I do not follow a plant based diet. I always kind of want to try veganism, but I haven't found the inner strength as yet. I drive a diesel van. I don't invest enough in slow fashion. I need to remind myself more often: buy less, buy better. I don't grow all of my own flowers. Flower farming is something we have always wanted to do at Studio Sorores and it's something we are working on in the not too distant future (watch this space). I need to eat more locally. Not always an easy thing to do in London, especially when you work most weekends, but I must try harder.
All of these things I know I can improve on, but as Director of Floral Design there is one thing I know that I can now commit to now that will make a huge difference.
No. More. Floral. Foam.
Absolutely none. Why? Because it is terrible for the environment. Floral foam is plastic, and is adding to the global problem of microplastics. I could get all technical here, but basically it's not biodegradable and is contributing to the contamination of aquatic environments. It should have no place in sustainable floral design.
We have been easing into this commitment over the past year, experimenting with different techniques and ensuring that our designs are still as (if not more) luxurious, organic and unique. I have always been someone who thrives when given a challenge and going oasis free requires more thought, more education and more dedication to achieve high quality results. There has been a wonderfully inspiring movement in the floral industry and I would like to thank all of the florists that have taken the plunge so far for encouraging other businesses to follow suit.
It is not the easy option and therefore there will be a shift in the way we price our floristry services in 2019. We are confident that this will enable us to grow our business further whilst still being environmentally conscious. It is possible to grow an honest and responsible luxury brand in the same way that we can deliver honest sustainable events.
This ethos has been taking a much more central role within out business, it's not just abut the harm being caused by floral foam. We have always been committed to working with local companies both in London & The Cotswolds (and across the UK) who share our vision of responsible luxury events, from food to linen and everything in between. We are about to launch a new studio in The Cotswolds within a private estate committed to sustainability, which is just the first step of so many we plan to take in really focussing our efforts on reducing our carbon footprint.
Because 'Luxury' is not about extravagance and hedonism. To us, 'Luxury' is about authenticity and the extraordinary.
"We are agents of change. We challenge and push boundaries to make luxurious products in a way that is fit for the world we live in today and the future: beautiful and sustainable. No compromises."
Stella McCartney Mission Statement
Interested in learning more about sustainable floristry? Email us at info@studiosorores.com to register your interest for upcoming workshops both in London & The Cotswolds.