Turn the Trash into Cash

Many years ago I had the priveledge of attending a seminar by a floral designer where he challenged the group to pay more attention to what was being discarded. He said he could walk into the average floral shop and make several nice designs by using only the remains in the trash can. Today we find ourselves asking the same questions. When we look at the shrink (trash) in the floral department, could a portion of that be saved and made sellable? Can we turn the trash into cash?

On numerous occasions I walked into the floral department at the local grocery or home center and found the Phalaenopsis Orchids with limp, lifeless blooms and buds the cause of which is avoidable. This type of damage is due to ethylene exposure.

What is ethylene?

Ethylene is an ageing hormone which has two sources; the flower and plant’s own production (internal) and external ethylene sources. Stress during transport, caused by dark conditions, temperature fluctuations, water shortage, being bounced on a bumpy road, causes increased internal stress. Exhaust fumes, fruits, and vegetables, along with other factors all cause increased external ethylene exposure. And the floral department is typically next to the produce department in most grocery stores where the ethylene levels are the highest in the store.

Treatment is Simple

So how do we avoid the negative effects of ethylene? Chrysal Ethylene Buster sachets are the simple solution. Ethylene Buster sachets are easy to use; simply dip them in water to activate and then place the sachet or sachets in the box following the correct dosage. The sachet releases a gas that blocks the ethylene receptors in the plant and allows the plant to act as if there is no ethylene present. Thus allowing the normal bloom cycle to go on without interruption. The results are Phalaenopsis Orchids with beautiful long lasting blooms and buds that develop as nature intended. 

Increased Sales – Reduced Shrink

This video shows the dramatic difference between plants treated with Ethylene Buster and untreated plants:

The condition only gets worse as the blooms and buds abort and fall off, leaving the plant unsellable, and ultimately trash. The sad part of the story is that we have come to accept a certain percentage of shrink. I would challenge all of us to learn the simple steps we can take to turn the trash into cash! Want to know more about Ethylene Buster? Then please contact Wendy Metselaar.