Zero waste alternatives to floral foam
If you regularly arrange flowers (or work in a florist or undertaker home), most floral foam (even if it says it’s ‘biodegradable’ contains plastic (made from oil). Sustainable Floristry Network has a post on reasons to avoid it.
Keep flowers fresh by changing the water often, pruning leaves below the water line and keeping vases away from strong heat and light.
Hair pin flower frogs have been around since 1936, and blend with stems, but are strong enough to cope with woodier plants. Fix in place with florist’s clay.
Keep unsafe flowers away from pets
Many flowers are unsafe near pets, so be aware of this before buying/growing flowers, or gifting to others. PDSA has tips for pet-safe gardens. Find lists of plants/flowers that are toxic to:
Also never face indoor plants to face outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into glass windows.
Agra-wool (not made from sheep!)
Agra-Wool is made from rockwool, a mineral fibre made from mostly powdered basalt rock that is spun with sugar to provide a nontoxic alternative to plastic floral foam.
It takes just 15 seconds to saturate a brick. It’s a mineral (so not compostable) but will biodegrade into rock dust. An American company also has invented compostable eco flower wrap (why not here?)
