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 Ah Sam Floral Co., 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. At Ah Sam Floral Co., we drive to the growers in California's central coast and transport the flowers in buckets of water back to our shop, further minimizing our carbon footprint. These partnerships also 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. Reuse Vases & Offer a Vase Refill Program
While flowers evolve throughout their full lifecycle, glass and ceramic vases remain static. That's why we always reuse our vessels for different events instead of discarding them, giving them new life with each arrangement. This reduces waste and adds a sense of thoughtful intention to our designs. We also welcome customers to return vases that can be repurposed for the transportation of wedding bouquets. Customers can also bring in empty containers for us to refill with fresh floral designs or plants.
4. Recycle Flower Boxes & Green Material
Sustainability often starts with simple choices, and recycling materials properly is an essential practice when being eco-conscious. As flowers are often delivered in cardboard boxes, we have come up with a system to ensure they can be easily broken down and organized into the proper recycling bin. We currently have three designated bins in our store: one for trash, one for cardboard and paper, and one for green waste, including all floral and foliage clippings. Not only does this process keep our shop looking clean and tidy, but it's also a system that keeps us on track to achieve our eco-conscious goals.
5. Minimize Waste
One of our core goals as a flower shop is to minimize waste. That begins with thoughtful planning, taking time before we even reach the design table to determine exactly what materials are needed for each arrangement. This intentional approach ensures that every bloom, ribbon, and stem is used with purpose. We have also implemented reusable foam inserts into our delivery vehicles, eliminating the single-use carriers of the past. We carry this strategic and eco-conscious mindset into every corner of our shop, from the design studio to deliveries, always striving to use only what's necessary.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Use Energy and Water Mindfully in Our Shop and Greenhouses
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 consolidated floral refrigerators to careful water usage and conservative use of air conditioning and heating, we aim to minimize water and energy at every turn. Our greenhouses are also equipped with ventilation roofs that automatically open when temperatures rise. Every drop, every watt, and every small adjustment adds up.
10. Care for Bees
Bees are essential to our lives and the reproduction of plants, flowers, and ecosystems. At Ah Sam Floral Co., we're fortunate to have had a master beekeeper mentor one of our owners. We are excited and proud to have two active beehives at our flower shop! Our team pays close attention and does regular beehive maintenance, including relocating the Queen Bee herself.
11. 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, including SolMateo, San Mateo's Mental Health, and Canine Companions for Independence. 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.
12. Swap Balloons for Animal Plushies
Instead of selling balloons that can be harmful to the planet and animals, we sell candles, chocolates, and 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.
13. 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.
14. Share Information with Our Customers
We've spent years learning how to be a great and sustainable florist and have built the tools and habits to make eco-conscious choices every single day - and we're passionate about sharing our knowledge with others. Whether you're a fellow florist, a curious customer, or someone just starting out caring for plants and flowers, we're always happy to talk about what we've learned and our best practices. We believe knowledge is power, and the more we share, the more impact we can make together.
15. Are Open to Learning & Growing Towards a More Sustainable Future
When it comes to being an eco-conscious florist, we'll be the first to admit we don't have all the answers. But we're deeply aware, always learning, and committed to doing better every day. Sustainability is a journey, and we approach it with humility, curiosity, and care. Every decision we make - from the flowers we source to the materials we use - is guided by our desire to protect what matters most: our people, our community, and our planet.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.