Sustainable Flowers Project

Introducing the Sustainable Flowers Project

The Sustainable Flowers Project aims to encourage people in our community to buy flowers grown on local farms, rather than ones that are shipped from abroad. Imported flowers are more expensive and contribute significantly to carbon emissions when transported by air or sea.

Through this initiative, we want to bolster the local flower industry while upholding sustainable development principles, working towards reducing carbon footprints and protecting the area's biodiversity.

Introducing our partner, Sammie's Flowers

We've partnered with Sammie's Flowers, a small local shop that grows seasonal British blooms, to promote environmentally conscious flower purchasing decisions.

Sammie - who runs the shop herself - is dedicated to sustainability, employing practices that prioritise environmental responsibility. She exclusively uses compostable or reusable materials in her floristry, along with organic, homemade compost. Pesticides and industrial chemicals are strictly avoided in favour of biological controls and homemade fertilisers.

Her commitment extends to the wrapping of bouquets, which are presented in brown paper and twine. Sammie sources her flowers locally, primarily from her own farm between April and October, and from other British growers during the winter months. This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures freshness and reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation.

At her small family farm, Sammie not only grows flowers but also raises animals, all in a manner that enriches the soil and fosters biodiversity. In line with her sustainability ethos, Sammie’s farm offers tours and clubs, inviting customers to experience the beauty of the environment first-hand. From yoga and meditation sessions to pick-your-own flower events and floral workshops, there are opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and relax.

Sammie’s product range includes flower buckets, fresh British flower bouquets, living wreaths, naturally dried British flower bouquets and wreaths, and tulip bunches. Customers can conveniently shop online through her website.

Why is it important to support local flower growers?

Research comparing the carbon footprint of flowers, particularly between British-grown and imported varieties, highlights significant environmental differences. For instance, Rebecca Swinn's MSc dissertation, summarised by Angela Coulton, emphasises that imported flowers produce far higher CO2 emissions due to long-distance transportation and energy-intensive cultivation methods. Swinn's study found that a mixed bouquet imported from abroad can generate up to ten times more emissions than one grown locally in the UK, emphasising the environmental benefits of supporting local growers.

Similarly, research from Cranfield University in 2007 compared the carbon footprint of roses from Kenya and the Netherlands. The study revealed that Kenyan roses produced significantly fewer emissions than those grown in Dutch hothouses, primarily due to the energy-intensive transportation involved in the latter.

These findings underscore the importance of considering the environmental impact of flower production and transportation. Choosing locally grown flowers not only supports local economies but also reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainability.

How can you get involved?

We want students to make sustainability a part of their daily routines. For example, if you buy flowers regularly, consider the source of the flowers and whether the packaging used is environmentally friendly. Plastic packaging, for instance, takes a long time to break down.

Opting to purchase bouquets from our partner Sammie's Flowers is another way you can contribute to community growth.

Further questions?

If you have any questions, please email Student Sustainability Architect, Xiaoyin Na at bn21xn@leeds.ac.uk.