course one

Foundation in Sustainable Floristry

Transform your practice, and the industry, for a healthy global future.

$385 AUD

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Why this course?

As florists, we love nature. So why is the industry unsustainable?

Modern floristry is often characterised by flowers with big carbon footprints. Then there are issues for people along supply chains and an over-reliance on plastic and excessive waste – among other problems.

We’ve created this course to help floristry do better.
Every day, florists must make hundreds of decisions.

They select flowers and products, make design choices, and pass information to customers.

Created specifically for working florists, this course establishes the foundations for better decision-making, from principles through to practice.

We look at the latest science, interview global experts and examine strategies for creating a more sustainable industry.
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What's included?

Over 8-9 hours, students will explore a practical pathway to creating a more sustainable design and business practice. 

We look at the problems, identify solutions and apply them to floristry.

Students have three months to complete the course, at their own pace.

At the end of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion, verifying their achievements.

Hear from the experts 

Our interviews with global floriculture experts from the Sustainable Cut Flowers Project, UK, provide expert insight into the challenges faced by the industry.

Rich in video content

Our video interviews and multimedia resources deliver complex information in an engaging and stimulating format. 

Motivation to change behaviour

Our carefully curated collection of resources have been designed to inspire action as much as they inform students.

Evidence-based learning

Content is supported by references, links to resources and further reading so students can pursue interests beyond the course requirements.

Self-assessment

Short quizzes throughout invite reflection and reinforce learning to help guide students through the process of better decision making.

A new system

We show students how a principles-based approach to design and doing business can collectively transform the industry for a better global future.

What will I learn?

Over 14 units, students will learn how to:

  • Define ‘sustainability’ using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as our guide.

  • Identify how floral designers and business owners can address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

  • Describe how the global floriculture industry functions and identify sustainability issues along the supply chain.
  • Become an ambassador for nature by using creativity and knowledge to connect customers to the natural world.

  • Describe how the world of commercial flower production operates from soil to vase, and how inputs and farming methods can impact carbon footprints and the local environment.

  • Move away from our current 'take-make-waste' linear approach to resource use and waste creation towards a circular economy.


  • Use cut-flower certifications effectively through understanding what they represent.


  • Choose better flowers by using our understanding of how flowers are produced and traded for better decision-making.

  • Design out waste by conserving resources and designing for the planet.

  • Invest in ethics by valuing natural capital in all decision-making.


  • Communicate with community by asking the right questions and passing on the best information to create a more sustainable industry.

What our students have to say:

This course is thorough, enlightening, moving, terrifying, urgent, essential, galvanising, and so much more. Essential for anyone who wants to make a living from floristry.”

Louisina Currie
flower farmer & florist, UK
The course really gave me food for thought and made me question what I can do better. It feels very positive — it gives hope, and direction. Highly recommended to anyone who uses flowers and cares about this planet we call home.
Sarah diligent,
florist & author, a guide to floral mechanics.
I gained so much knowledge. Really well presented, clear, detailed and simple to follow. I would recommend that all florists undertake this course."

Renae monument, floristry educator

What is the Sustainable Floristry Network?

The SFN is an independent education and membership organisation for florists.

We are creating a new standard for floristry, based around sustainability principles.

Many floristry education programs for florists are dated, set wasteful design standards, and ignore the problems in the industry.

We saw a need for truly independent, science-based education that builds sustainability in from the beginning.

Will the course certify me as a 'sustainable florist'?

No. The SFN is an education and membership organisation.

We do not run a certification scheme or a compliance program. That means the SFN does not accredit, certify or audit individuals or businesses as 'sustainable florists'.  

Certification is an important way of setting standards in many industries (including floriculture – you’ll learn more about that in the course), but it is an intense and often expensive process. And making claims about 'being sustainable' can have specific country-specific meanings in consumer law.  

Instead, the course provides a thorough grounding in sustainable principles and practices – as they apply to floristry. And completing the course is the first step to becoming a Sustainable Floristry Network Member Florist.  

SFN Membership Program

What is SFN Membership?

The SFN Flowers 2030 Education program is running until 2030 to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and help meet emissions targets set by the Paris Agreement. The SFN Member Florist program is running alongside the education program, for florists who wish to commit to a new system for designing flowers and doing business.

Become an SFN Member Florist for 2024 - 2025

To be eligible for the SFN Membership Program for 2024 - 2025, you'll need to:
1. Complete Foundation in Sustainable Floristry.
2. Commit to the SFN Member Pledge.

What are the benefits of membership?

Digital badge

Florists who become SFN Member Florists will receive an SFN member badge for use on their website and email. This digital credential will enable viewers to verify the florist’s achievements and commitment to the program.

Member badge
Setting a new standard
By becoming an SFN Member, you will be actively working to transform the world of floral design for a better global future.

The more practitioners who work towards the principles, the further we can shift the general model of floristry to a better standard.
Join the directory
Consumers who genuinely want to make a more sustainable purchase need a clear choice. The SFN Member Directory helps customers to make better decisions about the florist they choose.
continuing professional development

What is CPD?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) describes the learning activities professionals engage in to develop their skills in a particular industry.

According to The Certification Service, "CPD encourages looking forward and identifying opportunities to learn something new, refresh existing knowledge, improve skills, or simply keep up-to-date with the latest developments within a particular profession or industry".

While many industries use CPD education to maintain industry standards, CPD is uncommon in floristry. But we believe florists should have a way to learn new skills and demonstrate their expanded knowledge.
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The SFN is a CPD training provider member of The Certification Service, and the Foundation in Sustainable Floristry course is CPD certified. This means that the course conforms to global CPD education principles.

A FORCE FOR NATURE

SFN is resetting ideas about flowers and floral design for a healthy global future. We believe that together, we can transform the world of floristry into a sustainable one.
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