Why is the Church of England considering banning floral foam?

The Church of England is considering banning floral foam to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact, as traditional floristry practices contribute to waste and emissions.

What are the proposed alternatives to floral foam in churches?

Suggested alternatives to floral foam include using chicken wire, twigs, pebbles, sand, moss, or glass marbles for floral arrangements.

What type of flowers are churches encouraged to use instead of imported blooms?

Churches are encouraged to use local, seasonal, and fully biodegradable or compostable flowers and foliage, as well as branches, berries, and dried flowers.

Home / Environment / Church to Ban Floral Foam for Greener Worship

Church to Ban Floral Foam for Greener Worship

24 Jan

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Summary

Churches urged to shun floral foam for environmental reasons.
Parishes encouraged to use local, seasonal flowers and foliage.
Alternatives to floral foam include chicken wire and twigs.

Church to Ban Floral Foam for Greener Worship

The Church of England is considering a significant shift towards eco-friendly floral displays. The General Synod is set to vote next month on a motion that would urge all parishes, chaplaincies, and cathedrals to eliminate the use of floral foam.

This initiative stems from growing concerns over the church's environmental impact. Traditional floristry, with imported blooms, single-use plastics, and non-compostable foam, contributes to waste and carbon emissions. A block of floral foam is said to contain plastic equivalent to ten carrier bags.

The proposed guidelines encourage the use of local, seasonal, and biodegradable flowers and foliage. Priests would also be prompted to repurpose floral arrangements for midweek services or donate them. Suggestions for arranging flowers include using garden-donated blooms, branches, berries, dried flowers, or eco-friendly alternatives like chicken wire, twigs, pebbles, or moss.