Exploring Composting: U.S. Consumer Perceptions & Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Environmental Practices in the Floral Industry
November 21, 2023 | 2 min to read
Composting, an ancient practice dating back 4,000 years, gained modern prominence in the 1920s. Florists can engage in sustainability by separating green waste from non-organic materials, mixing it with brown materials like shredded newspaper, and moistening the mixture for decomposition. Finished compost serves as a nutrient-rich fertilizer. For those without gardens, partnerships with local composting facilities or participation in community programs facilitate sustainable disposal of green waste.
Composting is one of the easiest ways to begin a sustainability program. The practice of composting has been around a considerable amount of time, with evidence of ancient civilizations composting as far back as 4,000 years ago. However, the modern method of composting as an agricultural practice began in the 1920s.
A florist can recycle and compost green waste by separating plant trimmings and organic matter, such as leaves and flowers, from plastic and non-organic waste. Mix the waste with brown materials such as shredded newspaper or sawdust, and add some water to moisten the mixture. These plant materials can be composted using a compost bin or heaping in a pile or row, which will break down the organic matter and turn it into nutrient-rich soil amendment. The finished compost can then be used as a fertilizer for potted plants or returned back to the soil to achieve a robust agricultural crop.
So, what if you don’t have a garden or outdoor growing area? Some florists partner with local composting facilities, floral growers, or agriculture farms to dispose of their green waste sustainably (a list of composting facilities can be found on the US Composting Council’s website.) A business may also arrange for compost pickup by contacting their local waste management or composting company to see if they offer collection services. If not, many cities have community composting programs where residents can drop off their compost.
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