Valentine's Day: Book Pages, Burlap, and Wood Go Into Pre-Landfill Bouquets

In a series Nature World News is doing on companies that use technology or recycling to aid nature, we're focusing now on a company that puts together unconventional bouquets. This unlikely florist became a business shortly after co-owner Meagan Chapman's father prompted her, "Why don't you start selling those wooden flowers?"

You know, typical father-daughter banter. The result is Eco Flower, a business that saves items from the landfills and produces professional-looking bouquets made from materials that include (yep) wood, bottles, paper and clothing. The company launched in 2014, and it's been wooden flowers for sale ever since then.

Other recycled items that go into or enhance these flowers are book pages, burlap, tapioca plant, bamboo, cloth -- and brooches. Certainly, why not.

The company also works with local bars and coffee shops in Ogden, Utah to gather recycled wine and beer bottles, which serve as vases for the bouquets.

Eco Flower creates bouquets for Valentine's Day -- sure -- but also for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, weddings, and event centerpieces. They're handy as well with the "I'm sorry" and "my condolences" arrangements, they say. And for customization, things can get creative.

When designing wedding bouquets, for instance, Eco Flower has used pages from the couple's favorite book to make specialized petals. They also can make flowers out of photos.

In terms of future growth, co-owner Alex Ledoux notes: "Our plans for 2016 are to focus on the wholesale side of things -- get into grocery stores, gift shops -- as well as put a larger focus on the wedding industry."

Rather than throwing away old clothing, books, or bottles, Eco Flower accepts drop-off donations. If interested, you can call or email Eco Flower to schedule a time.

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