Comparison of United States Professional Florists’ Perceptions of Environmentalism and Their Use of Sustainable Floral Design Practices Based on Geographical Regions

As environmental sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers of fresh cut flowers, the educators of floral design should consider adding topics covering sustainability within the floral industry to their curricula. Perceptions of sustainability can vary depending on the US region in which a person lives and works. The main purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of environmentalism and the use of sustainable floral design practices currently implemented by professional florists based on their geographical area within the United States. By investigating florists’ attitudes toward sustainability and their current practices based on their location by region within the United States, this study sought to shed light on the current sustainable practices implemented within the floral design industry so that educators can make informed decisions when modifying their curricula depending on where they are located within the United States. Most respondents from each region in the study reported being personally aware of sustainable products (75.4% overall) and mechanics (80.5% overall) involved in floral design. However, overall, 79.2% of respondents indicated an interest in learning more about sustainable floral design. This indicates a need for floral educators to begin incorporating a broad range of lessons focused on sustainable mechanics in their curricula regardless of the US region. The findings of this study suggest that floral educators in the West and Northeast should consider adding topics focused on laws and regulations regarding the use and disposal of plastics and cardboard, while educators in the South and Midwest should consider emphasizing the overall economic benefits that can arise by adopting sustainable practices and stress low-cost sustainable techniques that are easily adopted.