Sustainable Floral Sourcing for South Indian Weddings
South Indian wedding floral traditions face environmental challenges like high carbon emissions and unsustainable practices. This research explores sustainable sourcing in Chennai, using frameworks like the circular economy and Triple Bottom Line. It identifies barriers such as cost and limited awareness but highlights openness to eco-conscious options. Bloom Roots, a digital platform, connects stakeholders with locally sourced flowers and sustainable solutions. The study shows how tradition and sustainability can coexist, preserving culture while reducing environmental impact.
Literature Review
Cultural and Environmental Intersection
Floral traditions in South Indian weddings are culturally significant but contribute to environmental issues, such as high CO2 emissions and biodiversity loss.
Indigenous Knowledge
Integrating indigenous knowledge into floral sourcing enhances sustainability and respects cultural traditions.
Sustainable Farming Practices
Traditional organic methods and agroecological practices can reduce environmental harm, aligning sustainability with cultural preservation.
Consumer Demand for Sustainability
Rising consumer interest in sustainability, driven by eco-labeling and social norms, presents an opportunity to promote locally and sustainably sourced flowers.
How might we reimagine the floral sourcing practices for traditional South Indian weddings in Chennai, India, to reduce their environmental impact while preserving the cultural significance of fresh blooms?
Disruptive
Design
Framework
Carbon Emissions of Daily Activities vs. Floral Sourcing for Weddings
(in KG CO2e)
Data Triangulation
Cultural Significance
stakeholder interviews + literature review + participant observation
Traditional floral usage is non-negotiable for many stakeholders, indicating strong cultural resistance to alternative blooms. However, subtle shifts in urban weddings show an openness to blending tradition with modern preferences, signaling opportunities for innovation.
Sourcing Practices
stakeholder interviews + survey + case studie
Localized sourcing is currently underutilized despite its cultural relevance and ability to ensure quality and freshness. Challenges like cost, availability, and logistical inefficiencies are driving reliance on regional, national, and imported sources, even for aesthetic preferences in modern weddings. This highlights a gap in leveraging local markets to meet both traditional and contemporary demands effectively.
Environmental Impact
survey + literature review + carbon emissions
Local flower sourcing offers a clear environmental and sustainability advantage by drastically reducing carbon emissions and avoiding ecological harm caused by greenhouse farming and long-distance transport. However, the low adoption rate (20%) highlights an untapped opportunity to promote and transition to more sustainable practices in the flower industry.
Bloom Roots
Bloom Roots is a thoughtfully designed platform that aligns with the objectives of this research by offering an innovative approach to sustainable floral sourcing. It connects wedding planners, couples, and local florists to facilitate eco-friendly celebrations that honor the cultural heritage of South Indian weddings.