Glossary: Eco Terms for Florists, Growers & Gift Givers, Defined

In the world of floristry, growing, and event styling, it can be hard to tell how one product is more environmentally friendly than another. With so many labels and claims, understanding what these terms actually mean is key to making informed, responsible choices. Here’s a quick guide to help demystify common eco-terms:

Biodegradable

Breaks down naturally over time.
Materials that decompose safely into the environment (like paper or plant-based wraps), making them ideal for waste-conscious florists and event stylists.

Eco-Friendly

Gentle on the environment.
A broad term for products or practices that reduce harm to the planet—such as compostable wraps, water-wise flowers, or reusable containers.

Greenwashing

When something is marketed as eco-friendly but isn’t truly sustainable.
Be cautious of vague claims like “green” or “natural” without clear proof—especially important for florists and buyers wanting to make honest, informed choices.

Post-Recycled (Post-Consumer Recycled)

Made from used and recycled materials.
These products are created from waste that's already been used by consumers, like recycled cardboard boxes or packaging—great for growers and florists wanting to close the loop.

Recycled

Made from previously used materials.
Items that have been processed and re-made, such as recycled paper or plastics. Ideal for eco-conscious packaging and event decor.

Sustainability

Practicing in a way that protects future resources.
Choosing flowers in season, using less plastic, and sourcing locally are all examples of sustainable actions in floristry and events.

Upcycled

Reused in a creative, higher-value way.
Old or discarded items are transformed into something new and useful—like turning old fabric into gift wrap or repurposing glass jars for flower arrangements.

ESG & TBL

ESG and the Triple Bottom Line are two key frameworks used to guide and measure sustainability in busines—ESG measures performance for investors, while TBL emphasises internal balance between social, environmental, and financial outcomes.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

A formal set of measurable criteria used by investors, regulators, and stakeholders to assess a company’s ethical and sustainability performance.

Purpose: Helps evaluate investment risk, long-term value, and corporate responsibility.

Common Use: Public companies, financial institutions, and investment portfolios.

Focus: External reporting – for transparency, compliance, and attracting capital.

Key Aspects:

  • Environmental: Emissions, resource use, climate impact.
  • Social: Labour practices, diversity, community impact.
  • Governance: Board structure, ethics, transparency.

Triple Bottom Line (TBL: People, Planet, Profit)

A business philosophy that balances social, environmental, and financial performance.

Purpose: Guides internal decision-making and long-term business sustainability.

Common Use: Small to medium businesses, social enterprises, value-driven companies.

Focus: Internal strategy – achieving sustainable outcomes across all three “bottom lines”.

Key Aspects:

  • People: Fair treatment of employees, communities.
  • Planet: Environmental responsibility, minimal harm.
  • Profit: Financial sustainability, ethical growth.