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Sustainable Church Flowers Directory

Our Story

Jo was an event florist for over 30 years at prestigious venues both in the UK and abroad. It was increasingly obvious to her that the floriculture industry was having a very detrimental effect on the environment. Since then, she has searched for a solution to bring about change, whilst developing her sustainable approach to flowers.

Harriet and Jo are neighbours and they are passionate about safeguarding the fragile environment of Coverdale and beyond.

Wherever possible, Harriet has created habitats and environments to help nature flourish, which has informed our approach at Coverham.

We have compiled our research, distilled the information and with the experience we have gained over the past twelve months, we have compiled this Directory.  It is our intention to enable other churches to adopt the SCF principles using this Directory to help enable and guide their first steps.   Once this transition has been made, it will enable the Clergy, to direct people who approach them for services of baptism, weddings and funerals, as well as florists and funeral directors - which is key.

We both feel very honoured that we are Ambassadors for Sustainable Church Flowers for Coverdale.

two women stood with sustainable flower display

What is the problem...

Problem 1

What is the problem...

bird of paradise flower

Problem 2

  • Flowers are grown across the world in 
    Kenya, South Africa and South America 
    and enter the UK via the Dutch auction 
    markets, burning fossil fuels to transport 
    them.
  • They may be grown with the use of 
    harmful pesticides and herbicides.
  • They may be grown by people who are 
    not paid a liveable wage or justly treated.
  • They may be bleached and dyed.
  • They are rarely seasonal.
  • They are seldom scented.

Problem 3

  • Packaging and single-use plastic used in transport from growers and re-packaging for retail sales by florists.
  • Cellophane
  • Ribbon
  • Wire
  • Single-use plastic trays
  • Plastic decorations and flowers
  • Accumulation of plastic in landfill and oceans for hundreds of years
  • Danger to wildlife in churchyards
  • This photograph is of single-use plastic from Coverham Church post- Christmas 2023
a heap of flowers with lots of non-sustainable materials

Our Choices

pile of used flower displays from a crematorium

The image is of typical harmful waste that fills skips at crematoria or blows around churchyards, all destined for landfill.

We must consider the impact on the earth when making choices at times of celebration and even at bereavement.
 
For example, we have managed as a society to be less dependant on plastic bags and now make better, more informed decisions…
 
There is another way.

The Solution

Adopt the principles of Sustainable Church Flowers:

The Solution

Essential Resources

Websites and Instagram

General overview, inspiratioinal demonstration videos and resources.

Sustainable funeral flowers directory.

Sustainable growers and florist’s directory.

An excellent educational resource.

Contact us for further guidance. We are happy to visit you!

Re-imagining how floristry is taught and practised.

 

Outcomes

  • Every Benefice could possibly have a SCF 'champion' to guide and assist with the transition. We are here to help, please get in touch.
  • Engaging in a transition towards sustainable practices both within the church and in the churchyard brings communities together for events and inspires all ages to take part. It seeks to be inclusive and fun.
  • Working with nature in the churchyard to promote biodiversity.

 

It is already happening Nationally

  • The Royal Horticultural Society have now banned floral foam from their displays from shows such as Chelsea and Malvern 
  • In the Diocese of Oxford there are now 808 churches who have 
    made the sustainable switch. The Diocese of Worcester is starting to move in the same direction.
  • Parish, Benefice, Deanery, Diocese... Let’s all join to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
display of sustainable flowers in coverham church