Braer Studio Code of Conduct: Sustainability and Environmental Practices
At Braer, we are committed to fostering a respectful, sustainable, and responsible work environment, aligned with our dedication to nature, community, and the preservation of the earth. As a women-owned and women-led studio, we are proud to create a space that supports and represents all genders in our art and work. Our main studio is located at Cavanbah (Byron Bay) on unceded Bundjalung Country. We in many places in Australia and we pay our respect to all Elders past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge the deep connection of Indigenous people to the land on which we operate. Our practices reflect our core values and guide how we operate as a team and interact with the world around us.
1. Respect for Nature
- We are inspired by the beauty of the natural world and work with flowers in a way that honors their organic forms. Our work is guided by a minimalist approach, ensuring that every arrangement is thoughtful and purposeful.
- We use locally grown flowers and seasonal elements to reduce our carbon footprint and support the biodiversity of our region.
- The majority of our flowers are sourced directly from local growers, and we are committed to using only Australian-grown flowers.
- We never use floral foam in any of our work.
2. Sustainable Practices
- Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We minimize waste by using every part of the flowers we source and repurposing materials wherever possible.
- We choose environmentally friendly tools and packaging, avoiding plastics and single-use materials in favor of reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives.
- We compost our green waste and donate large amounts of reusable flowers or materials to local farms for composting.
3. Supporting the Local Community
- We are dedicated to sourcing from local growers and businesses, ensuring that our work supports and strengthens our immediate community.
- We support farmers and artists by providing a market for their work that helps ensure they can earn a living wage. We believe in paying artists and growers fairly and properly for their time, expertise, and the value they bring to our work.
- Braer actively engages with community initiatives, creating projects and workshops that bring people together and foster a deeper connection to the earth.
4. Collaboration and Creativity
- As a team of multidisciplinary artists, we value collaboration and the diverse perspectives each person brings. We are an inclusive space, open to supporting and representing all genders in our creative work.
- Together, we explore new ways to create with nature as our medium, always with sustainability in mind.
- We believe in sharing knowledge and encouraging innovation, while staying true to our ethos of thoughtful, environmentally conscious artistry.
5. Continuous Improvement
- We continually seek ways to improve our environmental impact and are open to new ideas and practices that can help us operate more sustainably.
- We encourage feedback and dialogue within the team and from our community, ensuring that our practices evolve as new sustainability opportunities arise.
6. Education and Awareness
- We aim to inspire and educate others about the importance of sustainability through our work, workshops, and community engagement.
- Braer is committed to raising awareness about the role that flowers, art, and design can play in protecting and preserving the natural world.
By adhering to these principles, we ensure that Braer continues to be a leader in environmentally responsible floral artistry, supporting a sustainable future for our community, growers, artists, and the planet.