Overview
- General Synod members will consider urging all parishes, chaplaincies and cathedrals to stop using floral foam and other non-biodegradable, non-reusable products.
- Church papers cite environmental harm from foam, including microplastic ‘green dust’, landfill-only disposal and an estimated plastic load comparable to ten carrier bags per block.
- Proposals promote locally grown, seasonal flowers, composting, repurposing Sunday arrangements for midweek use, and donating displays to care homes and hospitals.
- Suggested mechanics include scrunched chicken wire, twig structures, taller vases, pebbles, sand, moss, glass marbles and flower frogs, with advocates noting many low-tech options.
- Florists and funeral firms say biodegradable substitutes can be fragile, lack custom shapes and cost more, though groups note some tributes can be made with mossed bases and wire frames.