Sustainability & Intentionality at Grace Deguzman Floral

Hi! Happy 2026! I hope you all had a wonderful 2025 and a good start to the new year.

As we move into 2026, I wanted to share more about my commitment to sustainability and intentionality at Grace Deguzman Floral. In this post, I’m diving into what sustainability truly means to me and the steps I’m actively taking in my business to support our environment and planet.

Floral Mechanics

My floral studio has been completely floral foam–free from the very beginning. To be transparent, I have used floral foam in florist school and while freelancing with other studios. However, after learning how toxic floral foam is to both humans and the environment, I made a conscious decision not to use it in my own business.

Floral foam is plastic-based and filled with toxic compounds. As it breaks down, it releases microplastics that are not biodegradable, making it especially harmful to the environment. Instead, I choose floral mechanics that are safe, reusable, and sustainable. These include reusable containers, floral frogs, chicken wire, and other eco-friendly techniques that support both beautiful design and responsible practices.

Flowers from the garden

Composting & Recycling

Because my floral studio is home-based, I have easy access to composting and recycling, which allows me to be very intentional about waste management. I am committed to separating green waste and recyclable materials from general trash.

We actively recycle plastics, but we’re also making a conscious effort to reduce consumption of single-use and disposable items altogether. This is definitely a work in progress. Some ways we continue to move toward being more waste-free include refilling soap and cleaning supplies from bulk, using refillable water bottles, and reusing vases and containers for events whenever possible.

Flower haul

Sourcing Flowers

As a San Francisco Bay Area florist, I feel incredibly fortunate to have access to the San Francisco Flower Market as well as many local flower farms and growers. My long-term goal is to source 100% locally, and there are so many reasons why this matters to me:

• Less paper and plastic packaging, which means less waste

• Supporting local farmers and small businesses

• Flowers grown without toxic chemicals or pesticides

• Fresher blooms with richer, more natural scents

• A reduced transportation footprint

I’m also experimenting with growing my own flowers. I’m definitely not an expert, but learning to grow flowers has been incredibly rewarding. My hope is to eventually grow blooms that can support my business which would feel like a huge win.

Looking Ahead

My intention is clear, I want sustainability to be at the forefront of both my life and my business. I don’t have all the answers, but I am committed to continuing to learn, evolve, and make thoughtful choices that align with my values.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting a small business that believes beauty can and should be created with care and purpose.

If you’re planning a wedding, event, or memorial and value thoughtful, sustainable floral design, I’d love to connect. Reach out to inquire about my services or to start a conversation about how we can create something meaningful together.