Pilar Zuniga, Sustainable Florist and SPEAKER!

Gorgeous and Green have been offering sustainable and eco-friendly floral and event design (as well as gifts and items from local and sustainable artisans) since 2008. So it goes without saying as the owner of Gorgeous and Green, Pilar Zuniga has had some experience figuring out how to make flower design as sustainable as possible.  

"It's always been about keeping the next 7 generations in mind. That idea comes from a Native proverb, and being of native blood and of conscious human blood, it greatly resonates with my and my business.  Every business decision I make will affect this planet, the people on it, and for generations to come. From the compost to the business cards, the flower mechanics to where the flowers come from, the transportation, reusing and even how long designs can last, I'm always thinking "How can I make this even more sustainable?" 

Pilar has created a presence online with a healthy following on Instagram for her vibrant, artsy and bountiful yet sustainable flower designs. But what most don't know is that she is also a professional speaker and educator. Apart from teaching Gorgeous and Green's workshops and sustainable flower school, she has spoken in the local community for garden clubs, tech companies and the local grown-flower community at large. She's spoken at events put on by the University of Illinois, UC Berkeley Cesar Chavez Student Center, CB2, West Elm, the Wedding Industry Professional Association, The Slow Flowers Summit, The Piedmont Garden Club, The Orinda Garden Club and The SF Flower and Garden Show, to name a few. 

Here are some lovely photos from a talk and demonstration at the Slow Flowers Summit in 2021 at Filoli Garden. 

Sharing the G&G history and experience as a flower shop turned studio

Designing without floral foam with locally grown and home grown flowers and foliage.

Taking a pose in front of her designs at the Slow Flowers Summit

The 15 minute design of local grown beauty.

Photo by Jenny Diaz

Click Here for more information about Pilar and Gorgeous and Green's sustainable floral design workshops and courses.

All photos (other than last one) by Missy Palacol