Flourishing without foam

Flourishing Without Foam: The Rise of Sustainable Church and Funeral Flowers

In recent years, a quiet revolution has been blooming in the world of floristry. Driven by environmental concerns and a renewed commitment to sustainability, florists and faith communities across the UK are reimagining how flowers are used in sacred and ceremonial spaces. At the heart of this movement is the shift away from floral foam—a once-standard tool now recognised for its environmental harm.

The Farewell Flowers Directory: A New Chapter in Funeral Floristry

Leading this eco-conscious transformation is the Farewell Flowers Directory, a non-profit organisation connecting individuals with independent florists who create beautiful, personal, and fully compostable funeral arrangements. Founded by florists Gill Hodgson MBE and Carole Patilla, the directory emphasizes the use of British-grown, seasonal flowers arranged without plastic floral foam or single-use plastics.(The Dirt Horticulture News)

In a historic first, the Farewell Flowers Directory will showcase funeral floristry at the 2025 RHS Chelsea & RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Shows. Their exhibit in the Great Pavilion will feature a vibrant arrangement bursting from a woven willow coffin, surrounded by personalised tributes like flower-filled walking boots and casket sprays—all crafted using sustainable techniques and materials. This display aims to demonstrate that funeral flowers can be both meaningful and environmentally responsible. (The Dirt Horticulture News, Farewell Flowers, FloralDaily)

Sustainable Church Flowers: Faith in Eco-Friendly Practices

Parallel to these developments, the Sustainable Church Flowers initiative is encouraging churches to adopt foam-free floristry. Recognising that traditional floral foam is a microplastic that contributes to environmental degradation, this movement promotes the use of locally grown, seasonal flowers arranged without harmful materials.(Diocese of Worcester)

At the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, the "Bloom" area celebrates this ethos by featuring displays from 24 flower farmers who eschew toxic floral foam, dyes, single-use plastics, and chemical preservatives. These exhibits highlight the beauty and viability of sustainable floristry in ecclesiastical settings. (RHS)

The Church of England's Commitment to Net Zero by 2030

These floral initiatives align with the Church of England's broader environmental goals. In 2020, the General Synod set an ambitious target for the Church to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This commitment encompasses all aspects of church operations, including the energy used in buildings, schools, and transportation. (Diocese of Liverpool, Latest news & breaking headlines, Bath and Wells Diocese)

To support this goal, the Church has launched various programs and resources, such as the Practical Path to Net Zero Carbon guide, which offers step-by-step actions for churches to reduce their carbon footprint. (The Church of England)

Embracing a Sustainable Future

The shift towards foam-free, sustainable floristry in both funeral and church settings reflects a growing awareness of environmental stewardship within faith communities. By choosing eco-friendly practices, these communities honour the beauty of creation and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For more information on sustainable floristry and the Church of England's environmental initiatives, please visit the Farewell Flowers Directory and the Church of England's Net Zero Carbon resources.