Sustainability is a key consideration across industries, and the floral industry is no exception.
Fresh cut flowers are undeniably beautiful, but their cultivation and transportation contribute to a significant environmental impact due to high water usage, harmful chemicals, greenhouse gas emissions and international shipping.
This is where the benefits of preserved flowers shine. Unlike fresh flowers, preserved flowers offer a more sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing their stunning appearance or natural beauty.
In this post, we explore the environmental benefits of preserved flowers over fresh flowers, and why this eco-friendly alternative is becoming increasingly popular in traditional floral creations.
What are Preserved Flowers?
Preserved flowers are real blooms that undergo a special preservation process to maintain their natural beauty for months, or even years.
Unlike dried flowers or artificial flowers, preserved flowers retain the softness, texture, and vibrant colours of fresh ones.
These preserved blooms are treated with non-toxic solutions, like glycerin, allowing them to maintain their long-lasting beauty while being a cost-effective option for those seeking eco-friendliness in their floral arrangements.
Key Environmental Benefits of Choosing Preserved Flowers
1. Reduced Water Usage
One of the most significant environmental advantages of preserved flowers is their minimal water usage. Fresh flowers, especially when grown on a large scale, require continuous irrigation, a precious resource that is often scarce in drought-prone regions.
The cultivation of fresh blooms contributes to the strain on global water supplies, which is an increasing concern in sustainability.
On the other hand, preserved flowers require no additional watering after their preservation process.
By choosing preserved flowers, consumers and businesses can significantly reduce water waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
2. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The transportation of fresh flowers often involves long-distance shipping from countries like South America, Africa, and Europe, which leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the need for refrigerated storage during transit only amplifies their carbon footprint. This makes fresh cut flowers less environmentally friendly.
In contrast, preserved flowers can be stored for extended periods, which drastically reduces the frequency of shipments and the need for refrigeration.
This helps to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the floral industry. As a result, gifting preserved flowers or using them in wedding bouquets or special events becomes an eco-friendlier option.
3. Less Use of Chemicals
While farming of traditional fresh flowers often involves pesticides and fertilizers that are harmful to the environment, contributing to soil and water pollution.
Additionally, many fresh flowers are treated with chemical preservatives during transportation to extend their shelf life.
Preserved flowers undergo a process that doesn’t require harmful chemicals for the environment. The preservation process itself is designed to be environmentally friendly, using non-toxic solutions.
By opting for preserved flowers, consumers can help reduce the overall chemical load on the environment, making it a positive impact on ecosystems.
4. Less Waste and Longevity
Fresh flowers, while beautiful, have a short lifespan. Within days, they begin to wilt, leading to significant waste and the constant need for replacements in traditional floral arrangements.
This results in a high turnover rate and contributes to the organic waste that ends up in landfills. 
Preserved flowers, by contrast, offer longer lifespan and low maintenance and are thus a perfect choice.
A preserved flower bouquet can last for months or even years without losing its aesthetic appeal, meaning fewer replacements are needed.
This reduces waste and makes preserved flowers a sustainable option for long-term use in homes, businesses, and special occasions.
5. Reuse and Repurpose
Another advantage of preserved flowers is their ability to be reused in various settings. While fresh flowers are often discarded after a single event or display, dried and preserved flowers can be repurposed for multiple occasions.
Whether in bouquets, mixed floral arrangements, or seasonal displays, with proper care their longevity makes them a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce waste.
Businesses that frequently use floral displays, such as hotels and restaurants, can benefit from the fact to choose preserved flowers for long-term use in mixed bouquets, reducing both costs and their environmental impact.
Why Vermont Flowers (EPZ) Ltd Is the Pioneer in Sustainable Floral Solutions
At Vermont Flowers (EPZ) Ltd, we are committed to providing environmentally friendly floral solutions.
Our sustainable practices ensure that our preserved flowers are of the highest quality, offering a beautiful alternative and eco-friendly equivalent to traditional fresh flowers.
We believe that consumers can enjoy the endless possibilities of floral design without compromising on sustainability.
Whether you’re a florist, event planner, or just someone who loves the sentimental value and romantic gesture of a flower bouquet, preserved flowers offer an ideal cost-effective choice in the long run.
With their long-lasting beauty and eco-friendliness, they are the perfect choice for those looking to make a conscious decision toward sustainability.
Make the Sustainable Choice
The environmental benefits preserved flowers over fresh flowers are clear.
From reduced water usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions to fewer harmful chemicals and less waste, preserved flowers provide a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to fresh floral arrangements.
If you’re ready to make an eco-friendly choice for your special occasions or home decor, explore our selection at Vermont Flowers (EPZ) Ltd and choose preserved flowers as an alternative to fresh or dried flowers.
