Today's class covered off Ethics and Business Canvas's
The ethics was particularly relevant to us given that we've already started doing primary research. Discussing this with Tristam he is happy for us to just email through what we've done so far and that we received verbal agreements to things like photos, but in future we need to check in to make sure we don't need to sign anything.
The business canvas was a little more tricky - especially given that we were using the one with a more social lean. We had a go at this and just had some fun with it for this first iteration.
The rest of class was spent working through our idea and talking it through with the tutors. This was particularly useful now that we are getting a better understanding of it ourselves. Gen has a nice wee story written up to give our idea a bit of colour and warmth.
We also got in touch with Karen from Juliette's Florist again to talk to her about the waste she was collecting for us and she had some set aside! So Gen and I popped down after class and picked it up and were super pleased and surprised to see just how much was there - and how beautiful it was! This revives our hope of being able to get produce from some florists.
We also knew that if we wanted to pursue the collection from businesses avenue further then we needed to find out how these flowers were managed. Our first call was to the Intercontinental Hotel in Wellington. They were more than happy to let us know that they had flowers delivered for their lobby weekly, and that the florist took these away when she delivered her new bunch. They also gave us her name - Yvette Edwards so that we could get in touch with her. And we did. I sent her an email to ask if we could meet with her for a chat which she was more than happy about so we are booked to see her at 2pm on Wednesday.
All in all it was a day of progress for us.
Next steps:
I am getting in touch with Tristam regarding ethics.
Tia is looking into some stats around mental health/wellbeing of our target recipients (elderly people living at home, alone).
Gen is looking after our collection of 'waste'.
On Wednesday we plan to trial making paper and inks with the 'waste' collected today. As well as meeting with Yvette to discover more about her floristry and the corporate flowers she sells.
Monday, 31 July 2017
NZ Mental Health
One of our project ideas (our main focus) looks at improving the happiness of people (probably the elderly living at home and not in an elderly community). The graph below is from a 2014/2015 study of mental health from the Ministry of Health and shows a dramatic increase in those seeking support for mental health issues. Unfortunately it is stated that the data for those over 65 is incomplete.
This article discusses the prevalence of loneliness in New Zealand's elderly: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76229784/One-in-10-elderly-Kiwis-could-be-socially-isolated-Age-Concern-says
The suicide rates among elderly can be seen here and it is clear that there is a drastic rise in suicide rates amongst elderly men.http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/snapshots-of-nz/nz-social-indicators/Home/Health/suicide.aspx
According to the Age Well website which promotes wellbeing for older people in New Zealand, there are many reasons why depression is not diagnosed in older people.
This article discusses the prevalence of loneliness in New Zealand's elderly: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76229784/One-in-10-elderly-Kiwis-could-be-socially-isolated-Age-Concern-says
The suicide rates among elderly can be seen here and it is clear that there is a drastic rise in suicide rates amongst elderly men.http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/snapshots-of-nz/nz-social-indicators/Home/Health/suicide.aspx
Through this data it is clear that there is an issue of mental wellbeing in New Zealand which despite being addressed more and more, appears to lack help for the elderly.
Sustainable florist: Ruby Rose
Ruby Rose Flower Studio is a team of qualified, experienced florists who have created a new exciting way to send flowers. Our goal is to completely change the way flowers are sent and received here in beautiful New Zealand, providing a better alternative to the traditional ‘big guys’ in the floristry business.
We are a team of qualified florists who know what we are doing, meaning the flowers will be arranged in such a way which that they will still look amazing once you take them out of the packaging. They will arrive fresh due to our knowledge of flowers and ability to wet wrap effectively. We pride ourselves on our minimal and sophisticated packaging and branding, making the flowers the star of the show- there is definitely no bright cellophane around here!
Environmentally aware
Most people don’t know that the floral industry is full of waste, traditionally florists have to stock up on large varieties of flowers to account for the huge range of arrangements they have available for order This means stock sits and isn’t the freshest when you receive it or ends up in the bin instead of being enjoyed. This isn’t good for anybody including the environment. By having just three weekly arrangements we are working hard towards ending this wastage, we sit at about 2% wastage compared to an industry that sits around 30-40% wastage. Here at Ruby Rose Flower Studio we love this gorgeous planet and are committed to doing our part to be sustainable and environmentally aware.
Yes we have the moto less is more but we still wanted to give our customers some options that’s why we decided to go with two daily arrangements packaged two different ways with two different price tags
We have also hand pick some awesome gift ranges that complement our flowers to a T. They are modern, simple and established quality brands.
We are a team of qualified florists who know what we are doing, meaning the flowers will be arranged in such a way which that they will still look amazing once you take them out of the packaging. They will arrive fresh due to our knowledge of flowers and ability to wet wrap effectively. We pride ourselves on our minimal and sophisticated packaging and branding, making the flowers the star of the show- there is definitely no bright cellophane around here!
Environmentally aware
Most people don’t know that the floral industry is full of waste, traditionally florists have to stock up on large varieties of flowers to account for the huge range of arrangements they have available for order This means stock sits and isn’t the freshest when you receive it or ends up in the bin instead of being enjoyed. This isn’t good for anybody including the environment. By having just three weekly arrangements we are working hard towards ending this wastage, we sit at about 2% wastage compared to an industry that sits around 30-40% wastage. Here at Ruby Rose Flower Studio we love this gorgeous planet and are committed to doing our part to be sustainable and environmentally aware.
Yes we have the moto less is more but we still wanted to give our customers some options that’s why we decided to go with two daily arrangements packaged two different ways with two different price tags
We have also hand pick some awesome gift ranges that complement our flowers to a T. They are modern, simple and established quality brands.
Sustainable Florist: Little Bud
Super cute company I found that is all about sustainability and recycling flowers.
https://www.littlebudflowers.com/
From start to finish these girls think about sustainability and the reduction of waste where possible.
They also have a super cute instagram and style!
https://www.littlebudflowers.com/
From start to finish these girls think about sustainability and the reduction of waste where possible.
They also have a super cute instagram and style!
Our idea
My brainstorm/idea for our business:
When you send a bouquet, you truely are sending happiness. Numerous scientific studies have proven that flowers have positive effects on the brain; they elevate mood, reduce stress, and help people heal faster through colour, scent and symbolism.
We propose to create a social good service whose goal is to repurpose flowers which cannot otherwise be sold (or left over from events) and gift then to people who may be prone to depression and loneliness- such as widow/widowers (elderly), new mothers, and ill (or terminally ill) people suffering at home.
The aim; to not only spread joy, happiness and smiles through "secondhand" flowers, but to also be able to check up on these prone people, and make sure they aren't lonely, getting the support they need and are happy.
We would organise the flowers to be picked up, we would then rebunch them and wrap them in our homemade paper (made from stems etc and these would be branded with out homemade ink from petals) and then adding a little homemade card (also from stems and homemade ink) which could say a little poem, saying or whatever, something to brighten the end persons day etc.
Possible partners; Red Cross, Nurse Maude, City Mission, Cancer Society, Government and City Councils.
When you send a bouquet, you truely are sending happiness. Numerous scientific studies have proven that flowers have positive effects on the brain; they elevate mood, reduce stress, and help people heal faster through colour, scent and symbolism.
We propose to create a social good service whose goal is to repurpose flowers which cannot otherwise be sold (or left over from events) and gift then to people who may be prone to depression and loneliness- such as widow/widowers (elderly), new mothers, and ill (or terminally ill) people suffering at home.
The aim; to not only spread joy, happiness and smiles through "secondhand" flowers, but to also be able to check up on these prone people, and make sure they aren't lonely, getting the support they need and are happy.
We would organise the flowers to be picked up, we would then rebunch them and wrap them in our homemade paper (made from stems etc and these would be branded with out homemade ink from petals) and then adding a little homemade card (also from stems and homemade ink) which could say a little poem, saying or whatever, something to brighten the end persons day etc.
Possible partners; Red Cross, Nurse Maude, City Mission, Cancer Society, Government and City Councils.
UFG Flower Market
This morning Sam and I (Tia was sick) got up super early and went to the UFG flower auction in Grenada North - we organised in advance to watch the end of the auctions and then speak to the Wellington Branch Manager, Wilfred, afterwards.
When we arrived there were heaps of people bustling around doing their jobs. In the bidding room, there were many florists seated, bidding on the auctions. Wilfred told us that there are a number of people from all around New Zealand as well (today there was 12 people) who bid on the actions.
The auctions are done through a dutch auction (starting with the highest price).
Here are my notes:
When we arrived there were heaps of people bustling around doing their jobs. In the bidding room, there were many florists seated, bidding on the auctions. Wilfred told us that there are a number of people from all around New Zealand as well (today there was 12 people) who bid on the actions.
The auctions are done through a dutch auction (starting with the highest price).
Here are my notes:
Friday, 28 July 2017
Wholesalers
We found a wholesaler down South that supplies supermarkets:
http://www.moffatts.co.nz/index.php/wholesale/supermarkets
So we sent off some emails to see if we could find out anything about their experiences but have not heard back.
http://www.moffatts.co.nz/index.php/wholesale/supermarkets
So we sent off some emails to see if we could find out anything about their experiences but have not heard back.
"What This Company Does With Old Wedding Flowers Will Make Your Heart Burst"
Link
Nothing's worse than seeing a wedding's gorgeous floral arrangements and bouquets tossed in the trash at the end of the night — but one company has come up with a heartwarming solution that's truly a win-win. Repeat Roses recycles wedding and event florals by giving them to residents and patients in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and nursing homes.
According to the website, Repeat Roses "take what would otherwise be thrown in the trash and transform it into positive energy to make a positive difference in the lives of others and protect the environment." In a Facebook post, one of the members shared photos of a recent flower delivery that went to the patients at Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
With locations in New York and Los Angeles, the company has made it easy for anyone to donate leftover flowers from their weddings or parties. Though you may have to book the flower pickup several months in advance and pay a service fee, that's a small price to pay in exchange for spreading some love and positivity. Just look at this woman's smile below.
Nothing's worse than seeing a wedding's gorgeous floral arrangements and bouquets tossed in the trash at the end of the night — but one company has come up with a heartwarming solution that's truly a win-win. Repeat Roses recycles wedding and event florals by giving them to residents and patients in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and nursing homes.
According to the website, Repeat Roses "take what would otherwise be thrown in the trash and transform it into positive energy to make a positive difference in the lives of others and protect the environment." In a Facebook post, one of the members shared photos of a recent flower delivery that went to the patients at Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
Donate Your Wedding Flowers to Share Joy With Those in Need
"Exciting news! We now offer our brides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by donating wedding flowers to great causes.
We’ve hate to see beautiful flowers being thrown away, and many brides tell us they feel the same way. When we have a chance to drop off arrangements. at nearby hospitals or nursing homes, we always wish we could do it more often. Lately, we’ve been thinking a lot about giving back. And, like everyone else, we’ve been talking about sustainability. Planning a green wedding means putting thought into how to reduce waste.
Enter Repeat Roses, a new company that collects and repurposes wedding reception arrangements to be delivered to those in need. Your beautiful wedding flowers can bring smiles and joy to places like hospices and community shelters. Repeat Roses takes care of all the logistics.
“I can’t think of a better way to ‘ripple’ beauty and joy into the world than to have these flowers begin their mission at a wedding and have that continue in a place such as the Ronald McDonald House,” said Rita P. Ralston of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Jennifer Grove, an event-industry veteran and Founder of Repeat Roses, told us about her original inspiration. “After spending time creating perfect table centerpieces overflowing with beautifully styled blooms — only to see them disposed of at the end of a four-hour evening — I recognized an opportunity to create change.”
Truly an entrepreneur who leads from her heart, Jennifer said, “I wanted to find a way to harness the love, happiness and beauty of the union’s beautiful wedding flowers to deliver happiness to even more people.” Brides can feel great, on many levels, about working Repeat Roses. The service also includes collection of organic waste for composting.
“When flowers end up in a landfill, they create harmful methane gas and pollutants,” said Jennifer. “Our service reduces the amount of floral waste to be disposed of at events, delivers joy to others and recovers the organic waste for composting.”
Interested in donating your wedding floral arrangements? We’ll tell you all the details when you come in for your complimentary consultation."
We’ve hate to see beautiful flowers being thrown away, and many brides tell us they feel the same way. When we have a chance to drop off arrangements. at nearby hospitals or nursing homes, we always wish we could do it more often. Lately, we’ve been thinking a lot about giving back. And, like everyone else, we’ve been talking about sustainability. Planning a green wedding means putting thought into how to reduce waste.
Enter Repeat Roses, a new company that collects and repurposes wedding reception arrangements to be delivered to those in need. Your beautiful wedding flowers can bring smiles and joy to places like hospices and community shelters. Repeat Roses takes care of all the logistics.
“I can’t think of a better way to ‘ripple’ beauty and joy into the world than to have these flowers begin their mission at a wedding and have that continue in a place such as the Ronald McDonald House,” said Rita P. Ralston of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Jennifer Grove, an event-industry veteran and Founder of Repeat Roses, told us about her original inspiration. “After spending time creating perfect table centerpieces overflowing with beautifully styled blooms — only to see them disposed of at the end of a four-hour evening — I recognized an opportunity to create change.”
Truly an entrepreneur who leads from her heart, Jennifer said, “I wanted to find a way to harness the love, happiness and beauty of the union’s beautiful wedding flowers to deliver happiness to even more people.” Brides can feel great, on many levels, about working Repeat Roses. The service also includes collection of organic waste for composting.
“When flowers end up in a landfill, they create harmful methane gas and pollutants,” said Jennifer. “Our service reduces the amount of floral waste to be disposed of at events, delivers joy to others and recovers the organic waste for composting.”
Interested in donating your wedding floral arrangements? We’ll tell you all the details when you come in for your complimentary consultation."
Thursday, 27 July 2017
Can you recycle rubber bands?
Short answer, YES
If the rubber is vulcanized it cannot be truly recycled. Vulcanized rubber (like in car tires) cannot be melted down and used again. When they 'recycle' it, they're really downcycling it to a lower value product, such as asphalt or playground bedding. Some 'recycled' tires are shredded and burned in coal plants.
Vulcanized rubber will last an extremely long time in a landfill (hundreds if not thousands of years).
Regular rubber, like in rubber bands, can be recycled, but it is rarely economical to do so. Regular rubber will bread down if exposed to sunlight and air. Since neither will be present in a landfill, it will take a very long time to break down as well (but not as long as vulcanized rubber).
Link
If the rubber is vulcanized it cannot be truly recycled. Vulcanized rubber (like in car tires) cannot be melted down and used again. When they 'recycle' it, they're really downcycling it to a lower value product, such as asphalt or playground bedding. Some 'recycled' tires are shredded and burned in coal plants.
Vulcanized rubber will last an extremely long time in a landfill (hundreds if not thousands of years).
Regular rubber, like in rubber bands, can be recycled, but it is rarely economical to do so. Regular rubber will bread down if exposed to sunlight and air. Since neither will be present in a landfill, it will take a very long time to break down as well (but not as long as vulcanized rubber).
Link
A Time and a Place: The Flower Market
Link to article
UFG Flower Market, Auckland, Wednesday 5.30am
It's cold and dark outside, but from inside the roller door of the anonymous warehouse in Mt Wellington, colour shines into the dawn. Bundles of bright red tulips, boxes of yellow daffodils, and buckets of white lilies, glow under fluorescent lights. Gerberas are piled high in dozens of colours. The roses have names like avalanche, royal pumpkin, whisky, and Miss Piggy. They were cut on Monday, processed on Tuesday and delivered by the growers overnight. Neatly arranged by length, variety and grower, on hundreds of trolleys that sit in rows on the warehouse, the flowers wait to be sold at the morning's auction.
Dictated by season generally there's a reasonable idea on what is coming and being produced. But what any particular auction will look like, and total supply and varieties is not known until around an hour or so before each auction.
Where New Zealand flowers are available the UFG market doesn't allow imported products to be sold on the auction floor. They do sell imports that aren't produced in New Zealand like Singapore orchids. More than 500 growers from around the country sell their flowers through the UFG auctions each year.
Through the morning florists and wholesalers file up and down the lines of flower trolleys inspecting the stock for sale. In season are cymbidium orchids, blue hyacinth, and purple and green kale flowers. The cold, grey warehouse smells like spring.
The trolleys full of flowers are wheeled from the warehouse across the auction room. It looks like a concrete lecture theatre. The buyers sit behind desks where inbuilt tablets display the vital statistics of the flower on sale. The auctioneer sits in a window above the room looking across the buyers like God floating on a cloud in a baroque painting, listing the grower and the starting price. But instead of going up, the price goes down at auction.
This is a Dutch auction. The auctioneer sets a starting price for the flowers, much higher than its expected sale. A giant electronic dial in the centre of the wall starts spinning anti-clockwise, counting down the price, until a seller makes a bid, stabbing the "buy" button on the touch screen tablet. The auction ends immediately, the first bidder winning the flowers at the price they stopped the clock.
The Dutch auction started in Holland in the 1600s in response to the tulip panic after the introduction of the flower into Europe from the Ottoman empire. Demand massively exceeded supply on this exotic new flower, and the market needed a fast way to sell the flowers with the least number of bidders. The system is now used by flower auctions worldwide.
It's intense and the stock moves really fast. "And that's all gone," says the auctioneer as the a whole trolley of chrysanthemums disappears in seconds. One employee wheels a length of linked trolleys in one door, another displays the product on sale, and another collects the sold stock to be distributed to the buyers. They barely keep up.
In the auction room during busy times likes the week leading up to Valentine's day, the growers wait in the back of the room, nervously waiting to see what their flowers sell for. The room will gasp at the cost of roses as the florists fight for limited supply. But on your average winter Wednesday morning the price is simply supply and demand, affected by the season, and the weather. Price fluctuations can appear easily and without warning or indication. Flowers are like fashion, and varieties trend and fall out of favour without explanation. Dowdy dahlias are suddenly cool again.
This winter spring flowers like daffodils, erlicheer, and paperwhites are popular as punters try to convince themselves the cold weather will one day end.
Idea Brainstorming
Ideas for rubber bands and green waste papers
https://recyclenation.com/2012/12/reuses-rubber-bands/
Cute idea of using rubber bands to make artistic lamp shades.
This website had heaps of ways to re-use rubber bands:
https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/19-clever-uses-for-rubber-bands.html
But there don't seem to be a lot of interesting ways to re-purpose rubber bands.
Then I looked into some paper recipes:
And found a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzps7M5neVw
Cute idea of using rubber bands to make artistic lamp shades.
This website had heaps of ways to re-use rubber bands:
https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/19-clever-uses-for-rubber-bands.html
But there don't seem to be a lot of interesting ways to re-purpose rubber bands.
Then I looked into some paper recipes:
And found a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzps7M5neVw
And also some similar instructions minus the video: http://liz-annaslakesidestudio.blogspot.co.nz/2010/06/papermaking-tutorial.html
Flowers Manuela photos
Manuela has a large collection of rubber bands stored which she doesn't know what to do with. These come around the flowers upon purchase as well as some plastic sleeves.
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