Our Ethos & Sustainable Floral Design

Sustainable floral design is the practice of choosing to honor our planet and the people who live here through conscious decisions to reduce waste, lift up our supply chain and reduce toxic chemical waste. 

We are committed to working within the rhythms of the changing seasons & mother nature.

A colorful flower arrangement in a dark vase with pink, orange, yellow, and white flowers and green leaves, against a wooden paneled wall.

How We Reduce Waste

  • A bouquet of white lilies and small flowers placed on a red wooden surface.

    No Floral Foam

    Foam is common in the industry to keep flowers hydrated, but as a single use material full of micro plastics & harsh chemicals it is stressor on the environment. Instead, we opt for alternatives like chicken wire, water tubes, flower frogs and other re-usable mechanics.

  • Close-up of a bunch of pink, red, green, and yellow flowers with some white flowers in the background.

    Reuse What We Can

    From the rubber bands our bunches of flowers come packaged in, to the water tubes that make our arches possible we keep each material with the belief that it can be used again and again! We aim to minimize all single use materials, and are committed to continuing this practice.

  • Purple flowers with green stems casting shadows on a white wall, illuminated by sunlight.

    Compost Green Waste

    Composting green waste in the floral industry helps reduce landfill contributions by recycling organic materials like leaves, stems, and petals into nutrient-rich soil. This sustainable practice supports local farming by enhancing soil health and promoting eco-friendly flower production.

The Importance of Seasonal Flowers

By using in-season, local flowers, West Elk Floral ensures we bring only the freshest blooms to our clients. We are able to connect with our supply chain, and the hardworking hands who plant, nurture and cut the flowers we work with. At over 9,000 ft in elevation, the growing season near Crested Butte is short, and always changing. While we may generally know when certain flowers bloom, lingering snow, weather, and frost cause variations to the growing season annually. For this reason, we do not guarantee specific floral varieties, but instead ask for the trust of our clients to execute their desired look with what product is available.

A field of white daisies with yellow centers during sunset, with a tree and glowing sky in the background.

Ethical Sourcing

We purchase over 90% of the product for all our weddings and events from Colorado flower farms. We are lucky to have such a robust flower farming community in Colorado, and with the help of resources like the Colorado Flower Collective, we are able to bring these farm fresh blooms right to your event. This practice helps us to be connected with our supply chain and the hands involved in growing the flowers we use & enjoy.

Why does this All Matter?

Over 80% of U.S. commercial flowers come from overseas, causing disconnection in the supply chain, long fossil-fuel filled transport, and reduced freshness in product. Sustainable floristry honors the earth, supports local farms and communities, recycles green waste, and avoids harmful chemicals. It embraces natural growth cycles and seasons instead of forcing unnatural conditions. Why do any sustainable, local practices matter? Because we care about people and the planet, and promoting practices that honor both.

A wooden chair with a bouquet of peach, pink, and white flowers, and green foliage set outdoors in a grassy field with yellow flowers.