Council news – 22 July 2025

Published on 22 July 2025

Meet Handpicked Ethical Floristry

Handpicked is an ethical floristry run by local florist Ali and located at The Mill in Castlemaine.

“Unfortunately the floral industry is a big polluter,” said Ali.

“I created Handpicked as an alternative for people who want to shop ethically.”

Some of Ali’s sustainable floristry practices include avoiding single-use plastics, working with Australian-grown flowers, using compostable wrappings, composting green waste, working with local farmers and educating customers.

We recently asked local businesses what they’re doing to take action against climate change. They told us stories about composting, collecting pre-loved clothing, building biodiversity and lots more!

In July, we’re sharing these stories with you, with the aim to inspire and learn from each other.

Meet the climate change-makers in business at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.