A flower arrangement delivers all sorts of messages, but it can also deliver plastic waste to our environment, especially when it includes floral foam.
BBC News
By Caitlin Arlow
image copyrightGetty Images
Across the UK thousands of people have been looking for that perfect bunch of flowers to celebrate Mother s Day this weekend.
But where did those flowers come from? And does it matter?
Florist Shannon Thomas works to highlight the devastating impact that buying cut flowers imported from abroad can have on the environment.
The 27-year-old, who was recognised at this year s Young Innovators Awards, is part of a growing movement of sustainable florists aiming to reduce the industry s carbon footprint.
How many flowers sold in the UK are from abroad?
In the UK alone, the market for cut flowers and ornamental plants was worth £1.3bn in 2018, according to government statistics.