Floral Foam Alternatives: Nurturing Eco-Friendly Blooms

Like many individuals, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I found myself contemplating how to make the most of my time. I began to delve deeply into eco-friendly methods of flower arranging, and my research led me to explore the use of 'oasis' foam. As the flower secretary at my church for numerous years, we had always relied on floral foam (commonly known as oasis), and my college education had never introduced me to alternative options.

Were you aware that a single block of floral foam is equivalent to the plastic in 10 carrier bags? This material is composed of microplastics and even contains formaldehyde. It does not biodegrade, and even those labelled as biodegradable do so only under specific conditions that we have no control over once they end up in a landfill. The more I learned, the more resolute I became in my mission to make our church arrangements, as well as my commercial work, completely foam-free.

I felt a strong urge to encourage people to explore alternatives to floral foam. With this in mind, I decided to organise a demonstration showcasing foam-free flower arrangements. I was grateful for the support of more than 20 ladies from our church, other congregations, and even non-churchgoers eager to learn about eco-friendly options. It was an ideal opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause as well, and the Billericay Foodbank immediately came to mind. The ladies gathered to learn about the convenience of floral foam, but also the harm it inflicts on the environment, as it breaks down into water sources, harming both humans and aquatic life. We discussed alternatives such as pin frogs, chicken wire, moss, Agra wool, and recycled glass jars, along with creative ideas for thinking "outside the box" when arranging flowers.

I also shared insights about the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) banning the use of floral foam in all their shows since 2020, and the 'Sustainable Church Flowers' (SCF) movement within the Church of England. If you're interested, please visit their websites for more information. Our discussion extended to the environmental impact of imported flowers, their carbon footprint, and the effects on residents in farming areas. I suggested locally sourced flowers and foliage be considered, with additional details available from a membership association called 'Flowers from the Farm.' Local blooms offer various advantages over commercial varieties, including delightful scents and the charm of uniquely shaped stems.

Our gathering was not just about talk; we also demonstrated some of the foam alternatives and ended up with a beautiful locally sourced floral arrangement for the Communion table and a stunning Pedestal design. I'm delighted to report that we raised £250 for the Foodbank during the event.

I acknowledge that these changes won't occur overnight, but in a time when our planet is undergoing significant transformations, I encourage everyone to take steps toward creating foam free church arrangements and to think consciously about how flowers are presented when given as gifts.

Eco-Friendly Floral Design: Sustainable Practices for Ethical Funeral and Celebration Flowers

For those that know my work, know that I am passionate about creating eco-friendly floral designs. In this blog, I will shed light on the importance of using locally and British sourced flowers and foliage, avoiding floral foam, and making conscious choices for sustainable arrangements. By adopting these practices, it allows me to create beautiful funeral and celebration flower designs while minimising our environmental impact.

Locally and British Sourced Flowers and Foliage:

I prioritise using locally sourced flowers and foliage that are in season, as well as my own when possible. By supporting local growers and British flower farms, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. These locally sourced blooms not only showcase the beauty of our region but also ensure that the flowers are fresh and long-lasting.

Sustainable Practices in Floral Arrangements:

Sustainability in floral design goes beyond sourcing. It encompasses how the arrangements are made up. For example, taking into consideration the amount of air miles clocked up when flowers come from abroad.  

Floral Foam: An Environmental Concern:

Floral foam, often used as a foundation for arrangements, has a detrimental impact on the environment. It consists of thousands of microplastics and chemicals, including formaldehyde. When floral foam breaks up, these harmful substances enter the water course, polluting our waterways and seeping into the land.

Plastic Bases and Landfill:

Additionally, many floral designs incorporate plastic bases that end up in landfill unless they are reused. To combat this issue, I encourage the use of sustainable alternatives such as reusable containers, particularly those made of glass. For creating a sturdy base, I employ sustainably sourced moss, chicken wire, or sticks and branches, reducing our reliance on plastic materials.

Compostable and Eco-Friendly Options:

To exemplify eco-friendly floral design, I’ll often create arrangements that are fully compostable. By using biodegradable materials such as twigs, moss, and flowers, I can ensure that my designs return to the earth after their purpose is fulfilled. These compostable arrangements not only add a touch of natural beauty to any occasion but also contribute to a healthier environment.

Here’s a flower heart, made of twigs and seasonal blooms and fully compostable.  Simplicity can be stunning

Why Foam-Free Flower Arranging Matters:

You may wonder why it is so important to avoid foam in floral arranging or floristry. While foam may seem convenient and some variants claim to be biodegradable, it is essential to understand the underlying issues. When I attended college I don't remember being given an alternative or any information on the down side of its use, it was just sold to us as a brilliant product. So if you don't know why it's such an issue, this may enlighten you:

• Microplastics and Formaldehyde: Floral foam contains thousands of microplastics and chemicals, which pose a threat to our ecosystems. 

• Unsuitability for Composting: Floral foam cannot be added to your compost pile. Its composition inhibits proper decomposition and the release of nutrients back into the soil.

• Biodegradability in Landfill: Even the foam labelled as "biodegradable" (with the exception of Agra wool) will only degrade under specific conditions.  Once in landfill, we have no control over these conditions, rendering the foam's biodegradability ineffective.

Conclusion:

By embracing eco-friendly floral design practices, we can honour the beauty of nature while promoting sustainability. Opting for locally and British sourced flowers, avoiding floral foam, and utilising compostable materials not only reduces our environmental impact but also supports ethical practices in the floral industry.