Some practical alternatives blend aesthetics with sustainability. 'I've rediscovered clay and branches for bases and framework. Filling vases with hollow bamboo pieces creates natural supports for flowers. Or if you have a thick wooden disc or plate, you can drill holes into it, place it over a vase or bowl filled with water, and stick the flowers through the holes in the water. The flowers will then stay upright, and it's both decorative and durable.'

'What I want is for the solutions to play a decorative role in the overall arrangement. In the floral pieces I've made in this special, I rolled up and tied Ficus leaves, and then inserted flowers into them. For another arrangement, I made a net from roadside grasses and placed the flowers through it into the water. But grouping little, or big, vases also work well. They're all reusable solutions with a small footprint.'

Seasonal flowers
Seasonality particularly resonates: 'I've always loved seasonal flowers. Historically, that's how we worked. After Christmas, for example, you'd have only lilacs and irises to work with. It forced creativity. Now we're going back to appreciating that purity and simplicity.'

But what about the flowers themselves? They believe the challenge is largely in the messaging: 'Communication is the key issue. The flower industry is fragmented and, unlike large corporations, lacks the budget to effectively communicate its story. A lot of great work is happening, but nobody knows about it. Misconceptions persist.'

There's room for improvement, although Max already sees many good examples. Breeders' associations like Marginpar and Decorum Company are genuinely making efforts towards sustainability. There's movement away from heavy pesticide use. Perhaps we should accept some natural imperfections like insect damage in flowers, rather than insisting on perfection that demands harmful chemicals.'

Gradual change is essential. Sustainability must grow step by step. You don't have to shift entirely from black to white overnight. Small changes matter, like choosing paper instead of plastic wrapping, or seasonal flowers which naturally have a lower footprint.'

Collective action
'Sustainability demands collective action - from florists and growers to suppliers. The entire industry must evolve together. Change is challenging, both technically and aesthetically, but we florists are known for solving complex problems. We can tackle this one too.' And consumers? 'They're increasingly interested in sustainable choices. In some urban areas, buying flowers has become almost 'taboo' due to sustainability concerns. So, we need to communicate clearly and educate the market.'

'Everything we do affects something else,' Max reflects. 'Take Sphagnum moss. It's compostable, yes, but harvesting it damages permafrost ecosystems. So, sustainability isn't always straightforward. It's crucial to remain aware of these nuances.'

For Per and Max, sustainability in floral art is intrinsically linked with creativity. 'When you limit your material options, you're compelled to innovate. This isn't restrictive - it's liberating. Creating something new always gives more energy and positivity than repeating the old.'

Ultimately, Per and Max's message is positive and collaborative, they believe historical knowledge holds the key. 'Our sustainable future lies within our very own history. We don't have to reinvent everything - just rediscover and adapt. It's a creative challenge, driven by curiosity and optimism. And a process of sharing, experimenting, and learning. If we implement these changes now, we'll not only preserve our profession but also make the world a little more beautiful.'