Sustainabloom releases four guides for floriculture sustainability

Sustainabloom, a resource for sustainability in the floriculture industry by the American Floral Endowment, has released four industry guides to help businesses support their sustainability journey.

Developed by Sustainabloom program researchers at NC State University, the guides offer insights and practical advice on energy efficiency, carbon accounting and inventory management to help industry members reduce their environmental impact and improve their business operations.

The carbon accounting guide helps businesses understand the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their operations, measure their carbon footprint and begin to think about strategies for reduction and offsetting. By implementing carbon accounting, florists and growers can make informed decisions to minimize their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The energy efficiency guide provides practical insights into reducing energy consumption and costs, explores sustainable energy practices for floriculture cultivation and highlights successful implementations throughout the industry.

The two inventory management guides offer strategies for optimizing inventory levels, minimizing waste and improving operational efficiency. Two guides are available, tailored for florists and growers/suppliers. By understanding the principles of inventory management, employees can better forecast demand, set reorder points and track inventory levels to ensure they have the right products available to meet customer needs while minimizing costs.

"We are committed to developing easy-to-use guides and resources around sustainability, providing continued education to the floral community in ways that work for their unique business and sector," said Debi Chedester, executive director of the American Floral Endowment and director of Sustainabloom. "These new guides offer practical solutions and actionable steps that businesses can take to make a positive difference."

Sustainabloom also has industry guides available on circular economy and community engagement, composting, consumer demand and preferences, integrated pest management, nutrient management, plastics, and substrates and fertilizers Guides on H-2A/H-2B work visas, living wages, water conservation and lighting are coming soon.

Sustainabloom launched in April 2024 and reports monthly visitors from the U.S. and more than 60 other countries. Thanks to its founding partners and the rise of new supporters, all of Sustainabloom’s resources are provided free of charge.