Sustainability is more than just being green. It's about honoring people, the planet, and our purpose: caring for our employees, uplifting our community, and finding thoughtful ways to spark joy through flowers, all while being mindful of our impact. At Zeidler's Flowers in Evansville, Indiana, we're committed to blooming responsibly every single day by rethinking our practices, partnering with like-minded growers and vendors, and making choices that protect both people and the planet. We believe fresh flowers should never come at the cost of the Earth — they should help it flourish.
Being an Eco-Conscious Florist Means We:
1. Get Flowers & Plants from Local Growers
Sourcing plants and flowers from local growers is one of the most meaningful steps a florist can take toward sustainability. It significantly reduces the carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation emissions while supporting small farms and hardworking growers in our own community. These partnerships strengthen local economies and foster lasting relationships. Plus, local blooms reflect the natural beauty of our region — something truly special to share with customers.
2. Use Seasonal Flowers Whenever Possible
Just like eating produce that's in season helps reduce the energy needed to transport goods across long distances, choosing seasonal flowers for our arrangements is a smart and sustainable practice. They help us stay in tune with nature's rhythms, allowing our designs to reflect the time of year in a beautiful and authentic way. Seasonal flowers also remind us, and our customers, that there is beauty in embracing the moment and celebrating what the earth is offering right now.
3. Recycle & Reuse Flower Boxes
Our fresh flowers arrive in sturdy cardboard boxes that have proven to be surprisingly versatile — proof that sustainability often starts with simple choices. While we recycle what we can, many of these boxes are given a second life in our shop. We use them for extra storage, organizing supplies, or even as protective carriers during our delivery runs. Repurposing these materials helps us reduce waste and make the most of every resource that comes through our doors.
4. Swap Plastics & Single Use Items for Other Floristry Methods
As florists, creativity is at the heart of everything we do — not just in our arrangements but also in how we approach sustainability. While single-use plastic tools have long made certain tasks easier, we're rethinking those habits and embracing more eco-friendly alternatives. One example is using chicken wire to secure stems. It's reusable, sturdy, and allows for beautiful, natural movement in our designs. Going back to these floristry roots has challenged us to think outside the proverbial box.
5. Plan Our Delivery Routes with Efficiency in Mind
Mapping out the order in which we make our deliveries makes sense from a strategic perspective in that we bring smiles to our customers faster, which is our number one goal. A well-planned route ensures that each bouquet arrives fresh and on time, creating memorable moments without unnecessary delays. Streamlining our delivery schedule also reduces fuel consumption, lowers vehicle emissions, and minimizes the time our amazing team spends on the road. It's a win-win approach that blends excellent customer service with eco-conscious decision-making.
6. Treat Our Employees and Growers Fairly
Sustainability doesn't end with caring for the health of the environment; it begins with treating all living beings with care and concern for their well-being. Our employees and growers are a part of our family, and we treat them with the utmost respect, ensuring that our relationships are nurtured just as much as our beautiful flowers. We prioritize fair treatment, open communication, and supportive work environments where everyone feels valued and heard.
7. Work with Growers who are Stewards of the Land
Growers are on the front line of how we interact with the planet, which is why we're intentional about partnering with trusted, eco-conscious growers who share our values. These stewards of the land practice responsible farming, using land thoughtfully, nurturing healthy ecosystems, and prioritizing sustainability. They avoid harmful chemicals, support biodiversity, and implement regenerative techniques that give back to the earth rather than deplete it. Their dedication ensures that the beauty we bring into your home is rooted in care and conscience.
8. Use Energy and Water Mindfully in Our Shop and on Farms
Water and energy are finite resources, and we make sure to treat them as such. That's why we take a mindful approach to how we use them in our day-to-day operations. From smart use of lighting and calibrated floral coolers to careful water usage and thoughtful cleanup practices, we aim to minimize waste at every turn. We also prioritize reducing, reusing, and recycling materials whenever possible — from flower buckets to packaging. Every drop, every watt, and every small adjustment adds up.
9. Volunteer Throughout Our Community
Being eco-conscious isn't just about caring for the planet — it's also about investing in the well-being of our community and creating a positive impact for everyone who lives in or visits the area. We believe that giving back is a natural extension of our values, and our team takes pride in offering both our time and resources to support local causes. Whether it's volunteering at local organizations or community events, donating floral arrangements to charity galas, or partnering with nonprofits, we're honored to contribute however we can.
10. Swap Balloons for Animal Plushies
Instead of selling balloons that can be harmful to the planet and animals, we sell animal plushies to pair with flower arrangements. These soft, lovable companions make wonderful keepsakes and are perfect for children, sweethearts, or anyone who could use a little extra cheer. Not only are they a fun and heartfelt addition to any gift, but they also align with our commitment to reducing waste, caring for animals, and choosing earth-friendly options. It's one small switch that brings just as much joy.
11. Believe in the Power of Education
Being an eco-conscious florist begins with learning how to cultivate, design, and deliver our flowers sustainably, as well as implementing steps to ensure we're doing it right. We make every effort to learn as much as possible about these processes, staying on top of growth and changes as they occur. We actively seek out education on eco-friendly practices, keep up with industry innovations, and stay connected to evolving environmental standards through workshops, certifications, and conversations with like-minded growers and florists. It's all about continuous improvement.
12. Share Information with Our Customers
We've spent years learning how to be as sustainable as possible and have built the tools and habits to make eco-conscious choices every single day — and we're passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. Whether you're a fellow florist, a curious customer, or someone just starting out on a greener path, we're always happy to talk about what we've learned. We believe knowledge is power, and the more we share, the more impact we can make together.Fresh flowers and plants are here to make special events and everyday life extra memorable and beautiful. It's all about feeling good and doing the right thing, even inside our flower shop.