Our Move to Green Alternatives
The Garden Club of Montclair’s Flower Design Committee has made the decision to move away from the use of floral foam in our design competitions because of its detrimental effects on the planet, people, and wildlife. Floral foam is toxic. Cutting a block of it can create a toxic dust. It contains phenol, formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), and does not decompose efficiently. It is actually a single-use plastic that breaks down in landfills into tiny particles called microplastics. Microplastics can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.
The anti-foam movement is growing. The Royal Horticultural Society (UK) banned the use of floral foam in 2020 and you will not see it at the Chelsea Flower Show or the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, two of their showcase events. Many florists throughout this country and the world no longer use it. It is time of us to join this movement.
There are many eco-friendly alternatives to floral foam that you can use in your arrangements such as AgraWool bricks, TerraBricks, or the Oshun Pouch. They are all plant-based products. We also encourage the use of floral mechanics such as chicken wire, Kensans (flower frogs), water tubes, floral tape, even twigs and pebbles. We have also collaborated with our Workshop Committee to provide opportunities for you to learn how to use these techniques in your designs .
Montclair Garden Club designers have always shown enormous creativity and inventiveness as evidenced in our monthly competitions. You have proven to be skilled designers, regardless of your design level. We have full confidence that you will take on the challenge of “life without Oasis” with that same degree of dedication and expertise.
Below are some links to help you understand our decision to move away from floral foam and to move toward green alternatives.
Barbara Baletti, FD Chair
Floss O’Sullivan, FD Vice Chair
"A Guide to Floral Foam Alternatives" in Flower Magazine
Flowers Magazine for the Australian flower and foliage industry
New Age Floral (info re AgraWool/Oshun Pouch)
Oasis Floral Products information on its product TerraBrick
"The Problem with Floral Foam:" lecture on YouTube by the Sustainable Floristry Organization
This is wonderful news! Thank you, President Sarah, for making this a priority, and thank you, Flower Design Committee, for steering us in the right direction!