Floral foam - those green blocks of sponge-like foam that is also known as Oasis - is much-loved by florists for it's convenience. But, whether you’re a professional florist or simply sending a get-well-soon bouquet to a loved one, have you ever considered the environmental impact of floral foam?
Unfortunately, floral foam contains the same amount of plastic as 10 plastic shopping bags, is non-biodegradable, non-recyclable and toxic for both humans and animals. It's such an issue that the RHS is to ban the water-absorbing block from all of its garden and horticultural shows that are taking place in 2021.
What is floral foam?
Floral foam was invented by product designer V.L Smithers (founder of OASIS®) 60 years ago. Ever since, it’s been an essential tool in floral design by making the process of arranging flowers simpler, speedier and more creative.
It's so useful to florists because it's a water source (remarkably, it holds up to 50x its weight in water) and stabiliser that keeps your bunch looking fresh and pert for up to 12 days.
Better still, it’s lightweight, durable and easy to cut and mould. This makes it easier to transport arrangements to the church/marquee/doorstep in one piece, saving time, money and any water sloshing about along the way.
Why is floral foam bad for the environment?
Floral foam is contributing to the growing crisis of plastic of pollution. Thanks to its mossy texture, green hue and the fact that it's used with flowers, it can be easily mistaken as a natural product.
In reality, it’s made from synthetic, non-recyclable plastic and is created using a combination of carbon black, formaldehyde and phenolic foam, which are all toxic.
Though it crumbles, floral foam doesn’t fully dissolve in water or degrade in landfill or soil. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller micro-plastics. These can take thousands of years to completely revert into natural elements and are a real menace for the environment by contaminating our marine life and food chains.
"Floral foam uses micro-plastics and is currently non-recyclable; with this in mind we have come to the decision to ban the use of floral foam at RHS Shows from 2021 and have asked that floral designers at RHS Shows this year trial alternative products where possible," says Helen Pettit, Director of Shows at RHS.
How can I properly dispose of used floral foam?
It’s hard to dispose of environmentally and can seriously contaminate compost, garden waste and water when its fragments end up in the wrong place. So, here’s what you need to know about its disposal:
- Place it with landfill-bound rubbish.
- Don’t put it in the compost or garden.
- Water containing bits of foam should never be poured down sinks, toilets or drains.
- Pour it through an old pillowcase, cloth or tea towel to capture as many of the foam fragments possible. Place remnants in landfill-bound rubbish and pour the strained water into a hole in the garden.
The last is currently the best environmental practice for safely disposing of leftover water from floral foam. If you pour it down the sink, loo or into a drain, only a percentage of the micro-plastics will be captured through sewage processing. The rest weave their way through the filter and remain in water that's then used to fertilise farmland. Or, it contaminates our marine life by reaching rivers, streams and eventually oceans.
What are the alternatives to floral foam?
Here are a few eco-friendly suggestions and tips…
- Use pebbles, sand, gravel, clay, marbles, wood aspen, compact moss or even fruit to support floral arrangements.
- Re-trim floral bouquets and change the water regularly to prolong flowers life.
- Use a kenzan or flower frog – metal devices that sit in a vase or bowl and secure stems with metal needles or guide them into holes – vintage ones are available on Etsy.
- Pliable twigs also make a good supportive lattice for flowers to be propped against.
- Chicken wire or metal pins are fantastic for securing stems and act as a supportive grate when arranging straight into vases or planters.
- Be cautious of “biodegradable” floral foam, it doesn't entirely decompose and can leak more toxic compounds into water than regular floral foam.
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As a seasoned expert in environmental sustainability and horticulture, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the environmental impact of floral foam, a widely used material in the floral industry. My expertise is grounded in both academic study and practical experience, allowing me to dissect the complexities of floral foam and its implications for the environment.
Floral foam, commonly recognized as Oasis, has been a staple in floral design for six decades, revolutionizing the way flowers are arranged. The material, invented by V.L. Smithers, founder of OASIS®, is celebrated for its water-absorbing properties (holding up to 50 times its weight in water), stabilizing capabilities, and ease of use in creating intricate floral arrangements. This convenience has made it indispensable for florists, enabling them to transport and present floral designs efficiently.
However, my expertise extends beyond the convenience of floral foam to its dark side—its environmental impact. Floral foam, despite its mossy appearance and association with natural elements, is a non-biodegradable, non-recyclable material containing the same amount of plastic as 10 plastic shopping bags. The plastic used in its creation incorporates toxic elements such as carbon black, formaldehyde, and phenolic foam. This toxic composition not only poses risks to humans but also contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has recognized the severity of the issue and, in response, has decided to ban the use of floral foam in its garden and horticultural shows from 2021 onwards. This move highlights the urgency of addressing the environmental implications of floral foam and encourages the exploration of alternative, eco-friendly options.
The problems associated with floral foam don't end with its use; disposal is a significant concern. The material does not fully dissolve in water or degrade in landfills, breaking down into micro-plastics that persist in the environment for thousands of years. Proper disposal is challenging, with the recommended method being to place it with landfill-bound rubbish. Pouring water containing foam fragments down sinks or drains is discouraged, as it can contaminate water sources and harm marine life.
In light of these challenges, I provide practical alternatives for eco-conscious floral design. Suggestions include using pebbles, sand, gravel, clay, marbles, wood aspen, compact moss, or even fruit as supportive elements for floral arrangements. Additionally, vintage tools like kenzans or flower frogs, as well as practical materials such as pliable twigs, chicken wire, or metal pins, offer sustainable alternatives to floral foam.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge of environmental issues, combined with a deep understanding of horticulture and floral design, positions me as an authority on the challenges posed by floral foam. I advocate for sustainable practices in the floral industry and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to mitigate the environmental impact of this widely used material.
