Here at the Lifeline, we have begun getting amazing feedback from our audience worldwide.  One such person to reach out is Suzanne Smith, an organic floral designer, who recognized the impact her industry was having on sustainability.  Listen to her story about change and action:

Hi Melissa,

This is Suzanne Smith. I am the organic floral designer in CA.

Suzanne in a bountiful flower field

I have been using sustainable and eco friendly practices in my business, before it was a Buzz word. When I started out in the floral and decor business over 25 years ago, people would look at you as if you had 2 heads when you asked if the flowers were organic or earth friendly. Meaning they were grown without massive pesticides and sweatshop style labor. And there was the misconception that it meant lesser quality at a higher price, neither of which is true these days.

Thanks to a massive push from concerned agricultural and floral users, The industry has associations in place that monitor and certify growers with guidelines for processing, propagation , worker and farmer fairness and No child labor. Central America has made major strides in this change.

Suzanne and her husband in Hawaii at 10,023 feet

It is not an easy task. I just recently returned from writing an article on the flowers of Maui, and the growers mentioned the tough government restrictions placed on them for the importation of their flowers  to CA.

Even one ant in a shipment can cost them their permits. BUT to stay organic, they must not use traditional pesticides, so it is a matter of massive concern and intense labor to fill the orders. Its a catch 22 for CA.

On my small part, I have tried to educate my clients to the use of products and services that are kind to the earth. Recycled and “found” materials that can be used in a creative manner for weddings in particular is always exciting.

One of Suzanne’s happy clients, Ashley

I now have a home based studio and garden allowing me to remove my old commute and lower my power consumption with digital floral cooler. Growing many of my herbs and greenery for designs is exciting.

Recently a website for people in my trade started up called “Event Leftovers” , allowing us to offer up gently used products to other designers as a direct way to recycle. A portion of the resale goes to breast cancer charity.  Its these small “sharings” that can turn into a new way of thinking for many.

Buying local and sustainable is a plus as well. And I have seen many designers and chefs starting their own cutting gardens.  As I had mentioned the sites such as “Green Your Theme” are organizing seminars and festivals all over the country to show local products and services that can lower the carbon footprint. The word is out on the Internet and it is becoming a mainstream way of life, and not some old hippie way of thinking, LOL.

A gorgeous organic bouquet!

I hope as you travel the world that you can touch on the small things that can make a big difference.

We all have seen and heard the scary and spectacular environmental concerns, but It would be a more uplifting experience to see and hear the positive things being done, by simple everyday people in the name of Mother Earth.

They say that the Earth breaths in flowers, so along your journey may you always have an abundance of blooms.

Best Wishes,
Suzanne
Suzanne M. Smith Designs