{"id":1091,"date":"2024-10-15T10:41:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T09:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/"},"modified":"2024-10-21T16:12:44","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T15:12:44","slug":"harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Floral Foam on Our Environment &#038; Suggested Green Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For years, <strong>floral foam<\/strong> has been a <strong>major environmental problem<\/strong> in our industry, contributing to the growing issue of microplastic pollution.<\/p>\n<p>Despite this, many florists continue to rely heavily on it.<\/p>\n<p>But that\u2019s something we\u2019re determined to change.<\/p>\n<p>As the world\u2019s first florist to achieve both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetmark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Planet Mark<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/certification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B Corp certification<\/a>, we\u2019re passionate about finding and supporting eco-friendly alternatives. We know exactly how harmful floral foam can be.<\/p>\n<p>The good news?<\/p>\n<p>Change is coming, thanks to innovative companies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoamlabs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PHOAM LABS\u2122\ufe0f<\/a> (we\u2019ll share more about that soon).<\/p>\n<p>Curious about the real impact of traditional floral foam? Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Summarise\"><\/span>To Summarise:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Floral foam is a <strong>single-use plastic<\/strong> that has as much plastic content as 10 carrier bags.<\/li>\n<li>Using floral foam <strong>damages the planet<\/strong> and the <strong>health of wildlife<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>There are green alternatives<\/strong> to floral foam that protect the planet and human\/animal well-being.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Floral_Foam_Impacts_the_Planet\"><\/span>How Floral Foam Impacts the Planet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#To_Summarise\" title=\"To Summarise:\">To Summarise:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#How_Floral_Foam_Impacts_the_Planet\" title=\"How Floral Foam Impacts the Planet\">How Floral Foam Impacts the Planet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#1_What_is_Floral_Foam\" title=\"1. What is Floral Foam?\">1. What is Floral Foam?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#2_How_Does_Floral_Foam_Work\" title=\"2. How Does Floral Foam Work?\">2. How Does Floral Foam Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#3_What_is_Wrong_with_Floral_Foam\" title=\"3. What is Wrong with Floral Foam?\">3. What is Wrong with Floral Foam?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Is_floral_foam_biodegradable\" title=\"Is floral foam biodegradable?\">Is floral foam biodegradable?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#4_Is_Floral_Foam_Toxic\" title=\"4. Is Floral Foam Toxic?\">4. Is Floral Foam Toxic?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Is_floral_foam_safe_to_touch\" title=\"Is floral foam safe to touch?\">Is floral foam safe to touch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Is_floral_foam_carcinogenic\" title=\"Is floral foam carcinogenic?\">Is floral foam carcinogenic?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#5_Is_Floral_Foam_Banned\" title=\"5. Is Floral Foam Banned?\">5. Is Floral Foam Banned?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#6_Suggested_Green_Alternatives_to_Floral_Foam\" title=\"6. Suggested Green Alternatives to Floral Foam\">6. Suggested Green Alternatives to Floral Foam<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Bio_Floral_Foam\" title=\"Bio Floral Foam\">Bio Floral Foam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Safe_for_Designers\" title=\"Safe for Designers\">Safe for Designers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Less_Waste\" title=\"Less Waste\">Less Waste<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#7_Floral_Creations_from_a_Sustainable_Floral_Designer\" title=\"7. Floral Creations from a Sustainable Floral Designer\">7. Floral Creations from a Sustainable Floral Designer<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Have_questions_about_floral_foam_and_the_environment\" title=\"Have questions about floral foam and the environment?\">Have questions about floral foam and the environment?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/harmful-floral-foam-green-alternatives\/#Other_Journal_Entries_You_May_Find_Useful\" title=\"Other Journal Entries You May Find Useful\">Other Journal Entries You May Find Useful<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"floral\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_is_Floral_Foam\"><\/span>1. What is Floral Foam?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You may have seen this type of foam used in creating floral displays. The dense, lightweight, and porous product was invented in <strong>1954 by the Smithers-Oasis company<\/strong>. Since then, it has been popular with professional florists and amateur flower enthusiasts.<\/p>\n<p>They use foam to support cut flowers. The floral foam\u2019s main purpose is to hold water and help keep the flowers fresh. <strong>Floral foam<\/strong> is also pH balanced. This means flowers are maintained in an environment that has o<strong>ptimum acidity levels<\/strong>. So, they last as long as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20578\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/51PSd9iyfQL._AC_UF8941000_QL80_.jpg\" alt=\"A stack of six dark green floral foam blocks is arranged unevenly. The top block, slightly askew, rests on the others. Its surface appears smooth and uniform, with visible edges and corners, capturing the essence of floral foam artfully poised in creative chaos.\" width=\"734\" height=\"773\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/51PSd9iyfQL._AC_UF8941000_QL80_.jpg 894w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/51PSd9iyfQL._AC_UF8941000_QL80_-285x300.jpg 285w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/51PSd9iyfQL._AC_UF8941000_QL80_-768x808.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 734px) 100vw, 734px\" \/><\/div>\n<p>This may all sound pretty good, and for many years people thought it was.<\/p>\n<p>That was until facts emerged about the damage this product could cause.<\/p>\n<p>Its toxicity and inability to decompose efficiently are major issues that can\u2019t be ignored.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re passionate about this as we strive to show people how <strong>flowers and plants should benefit the world around us<\/strong>, not damage it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"work\" class=\"text-block text-size-medium col-1\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_Does_Floral_Foam_Work\"><\/span>2. How Does Floral Foam Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>To fully understand<strong> floral foam<\/strong>, it&#8217;s important to know how it works.<\/p>\n<p>If you look at the structure of the product, it has a <strong>honeycomb-like appearance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Water moves through the material by using the spaces between the connected chambers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-structure.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-structure.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-structure.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-structure.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-structure.jpg 1200w\" alt=\"the structure of floral foam under a microscope \" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Image credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainablefloristry.org\/blog-index\/aboutfloralfoam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sustainablefloristry.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This water system travels through floral foam similarly to how water travels through a flower stem.<\/p>\n<p>When a stem is cut from a plant and placed in water, the water enters the stem where the cut has been made.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s then drawn up through the stem as evaporation occurs on the surface of the flowers and the stem.<\/p>\n<p>If water is not drawn up, the cut flower wilts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-stem-structure.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-stem-structure.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-stem-structure.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-stem-structure.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-stem-structure.jpg 1200w\" alt=\"the structure of a flower stem under a microscope \" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Image credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainablefloristry.org\/blog-index\/aboutfloralfoam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sustainablefloristry.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Floral foam<\/strong> acts as an extension to the stem.<\/p>\n<p>So, water is drawn up through the foam first.<\/p>\n<p>It holds water well, so there&#8217;s a good supply of water for the stem and the flower.<\/p>\n<p>The system works well, but the <strong>damage caused by floral foam<\/strong> outweighs the benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s get into it&#8230;<\/p>\n<div id=\"wrong\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_What_is_Wrong_with_Floral_Foam\"><\/span>3. What is Wrong with Floral Foam?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>This type of foam looks like a natural product.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s green in colour and feels a little like moss to the touch.<\/p>\n<p>So, it&#8217;s easy to assume it&#8217;s a good thing to use especially given the positive attributes we mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n<p>But knowledge is power and this couldn&#8217;t be further from the truth!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Floral foam is plastic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s not the same type of plastic that&#8217;s found in packaging; it&#8217;s more similar to insulation foam.<\/p>\n<p>But, it contains the same amount of plastic as <strong>10 plastic carrier bags<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>And it&#8217;s just as <strong>damaging to the environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>So, it&#8217;s definitely <strong>not a good idea to use it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>And that&#8217;s not the worst part&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-plastic-bags.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-plastic-bags.png 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-plastic-bags.png 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-plastic-bags.png 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-plastic-bags.png 1200w\" alt=\"plastic bags in the sea\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Floral foam is made from carbon black, formaldehyde, and phenolic foam.<\/p>\n<p>This is a toxic combination of components.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-formaldehyde.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-formaldehyde.png 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-formaldehyde.png 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-formaldehyde.png 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-formaldehyde.png 1200w\" alt=\"a bottle of formaldehyde\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Finally, although this product does crumble easily, it doesn&#8217;t fully dissolve or degrade.<\/p>\n<p>It breaks down into tiny pieces <strong>known as microplastics polluting the earth and water systems.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This brings us to a question that people often ask&#8230;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_floral_foam_biodegradable\"><\/span>Is floral foam biodegradable?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It may seem like this florist accessory would easily decompose because it so easily pulls apart.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, this isn&#8217;t the case.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a plastic material that degrades with light, heat, and friction.<\/p>\n<p>But this simply breaks it down into microplastics that are smaller than five millimetres.<\/p>\n<p>These microplastics take <strong>thousands of years to decompose<\/strong> completely.<\/p>\n<p>In the meantime, they&#8217;re easily spread, polluting water sources, killing wildlife, and ultimately damaging human health as they enter water systems and the food chain.<\/p>\n<p>Once you start to see the full picture, you begin to understand just how much damage can be done by<strong> using this foam for floristry. <\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"toxic\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Is_Floral_Foam_Toxic\"><\/span>4. Is Floral Foam Toxic?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>The elements that come together to make floral foam have <strong>levels of toxicity<\/strong> individually.<\/p>\n<p>They include <strong>formaldehyde, barium sulfates, and carbon black<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Bring them together, for toxic trio that isn&#8217;t safe for you, your family,\u00a0 or your team.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-toxic.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-toxic.png 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-toxic.png 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-toxic.png 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-toxic.png 1200w\" alt=\"back view of a person wearing a yellow coat with the word toxic and a skull and crossbones on it\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you&#8217;re exposed to this type of foam, you can suffer from <strong>irritation to your eyes, skin, and respiratory tract<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This is especially likely if you inhale dust or fumes whiles using the product.<\/p>\n<p>Heads up&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Frequent exposure to formaldehyde can cause the skin to become hypersensitive, often leading to <strong>contact dermatitis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This leads us to another frequently asked question.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_floral_foam_safe_to_touch\"><\/span>Is floral foam safe to touch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Touching this product occasionally is unlikely to cause any damage.<\/p>\n<p>However, <strong>it contains formaldehyde<\/strong> which we&#8217;ve already mentioned can cause contact dermatitis with frequent exposure.<\/p>\n<p>This is not a pleasant condition to experience.<\/p>\n<p>It causes <strong>itchy, dry, scaly, and cracked skin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>It can also lead to bumps and blisters.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-contact-dermititis.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-contact-dermititis.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-contact-dermititis.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-contact-dermititis.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-contact-dermititis.jpg 1200w\" alt=\"a patch of skin affected by contact dermititis\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Image credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/contact-dermatitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">healthline.com<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_floral_foam_carcinogenic\"><\/span>Is floral foam carcinogenic?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Formaldehyde<\/strong> doesn&#8217;t just cause skin issues.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified it as a <strong>probable human carcinogen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>And several studies have found that prolonged exposure to formaldehyde is associated with certain forms of cancer.<\/p>\n<div id=\"banned\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Is_Floral_Foam_Banned\"><\/span>5. Is Floral Foam Banned?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Although <strong>floral foam<\/strong> <strong>damages the planet<\/strong>, professional floral designers and amateurs can still use it.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s no ban in place.<\/p>\n<p>But that isn&#8217;t the full story.<\/p>\n<p>Some organisations are recognising the dangers of the <strong>microplastics that floral foam creates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-microplastics.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-microplastics.png 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-microplastics.png 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-microplastics.png 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-microplastics.png 1200w\" alt=\"microplastics on a beach\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>In January 2020, the <strong>Royal Horticultural Society<\/strong> announced it was banning the product.<\/p>\n<p>So, since 2023, it hasn&#8217;t been used in RHS shows.<\/p>\n<p>This means that designers, including those participating at the <strong>RHS Chelsea Flower Show<\/strong>, have had to find alternative methods for creating their displays.<\/p>\n<p>This ban is good news for the floristry and garden design industries as it means <strong>eco-friendly products and techniques are being developed.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-chelsea-flower-show.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-chelsea-flower-show.png 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-chelsea-flower-show.png 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-chelsea-flower-show.png 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-chelsea-flower-show.png 1200w\" alt=\"a bench and flowers in a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show \" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The RHS may soon be joined by the Church of England in banning the use of foam in floristry.<\/p>\n<p>The Church is facing pressure to ban the use of the product for funeral flowers.<\/p>\n<p>However, this is yet to happen.<\/p>\n<p>But as pressure mounts we don&#8217;t think it will be long until more are forced to follow suit.<\/p>\n<p>There are <strong>other methods to use that are far more eco-friendly<\/strong> and do not diminish the appearance of the end product.<\/p>\n<div id=\"alternatives\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Suggested_Green_Alternatives_to_Floral_Foam\"><\/span>6. Suggested Green Alternatives to Floral Foam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>So, what to look for instead?<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bio_Floral_Foam\"><\/span>Bio Floral Foam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">There are different kinds of Bio Floral Foam but we specifically want to introduce you to Phoam Labs, who do things differently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Phoam Labs is a compostable foam company on a mission to help free the world of plastic waste and be part of the movement helping to pave the way for a planet-positive future by inventing Phoam Labs&#8217; Floral Foam, a biobased foam solution made without compromise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">By replacing traditional foam materials with a compostable polylactide (PLA) foam, Phoam Labs&#8217; patented floral foam bricks are bringing a non-toxic, renewable and fully functional option to the floral industry.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Designed to be used as both a wet and dry foam.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safe_for_Designers\"><\/span>Safe for Designers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Phoam Labs&#8217; floral foam is free from microplastics and harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer environment for both designers and users. By switching to this innovative product, designers are using a foam made from PLA (polylactic acid), a sustainable material derived from corn that is fully renewable within a 12-month cycle.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Less_Waste\"><\/span>Less Waste<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Engineered to be compostable, Phoam Labs\u2019 floral foam is designed to break down naturally, reducing unnecessary waste in the floral industry. Made from natural sources, it degrades and returns to the earth, helping to create a more eco-friendly approach to floral design.<\/p>\n<p>At Blooming Haus, we\u2019re passionate about supporting innovative businesses that drive positive change. When we received prototypes of PHOAM LABS\u2122\ufe0f\u2019s non-toxic, bio-based foam, we couldn\u2019t wait to try it out! Here\u2019s one of our designs using their eco-friendly foam. \ud83c\udf3f\u2060<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20567 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs1.jpg\" alt=\"A vibrant floral arrangement sits on a round, gray pedestal with a base of floral foam. It features orange dahlias, yellow and white flowers, and purple veronica spikes. Greenery and small blue blossoms add contrast. The soft, blurred white background enhances the colors of the flowers.\" width=\"593\" height=\"741\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs1.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20568 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs2.jpg\" alt=\"A floral arrangement features vibrant orange and yellow dahlias with round, full blooms, set in a green floral foam block. The flowers have lush petals and are surrounded by green leaves. The background is a plain, soft blue, which highlights the vivid colors of the flowers.\" width=\"592\" height=\"740\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs2.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs2-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs2-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/phoam_labs2-1229x1536.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\" \/><br \/>\n\u2060<br \/>\nWe\u2019ve shared our feedback to help them refine the product as they approach the final stages of development.\u2060<\/p>\n<p>The choice of alternatives really depends on the specific design and the creativity of the floral designer.<\/p>\n<p>At Blooming Haus, we often replace floral foam with flexible natural materials, reusable water vessels, chicken wire, and kenzans (also known as floral frogs). These sustainable alternatives allow for innovative and eco-friendly arrangements without compromising the structure or aesthetics of the design.<\/p>\n<div id=\"sustainable\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Floral_Creations_from_a_Sustainable_Floral_Designer\"><\/span>7. Floral Creations from a Sustainable Floral Designer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Looking for a luxury florist that creates bouquets and displays using <strong>sustainable practices<\/strong>?<\/p>\n<p>Our team here at Blooming Haus is dedicated to eco-friendly design that <strong>produces stunning results without damaging the planet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Our sustainable methods are not limited to <strong>avoiding the use of floral foam<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;re an <strong>integral part of everything we do<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-floristry-2.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-floristry-2.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-floristry-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-floristry-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-floristry-2.jpg 1200w\" alt=\"a floral display in shades of pink \" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Flowers by Blooming Haus<\/p>\n<p>Other <strong>sustainable practices<\/strong> we use include:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Using green forms of energy to power our studio.<br \/>\n&#8211; Compositing our organic waste rather than sending it to landfill.<br \/>\n&#8211; Avoiding the use of materials that cannot be composted.<br \/>\n&#8211; Reusing flower buckets and delivery packaging.<br \/>\n&#8211; Recycling packaging where possible.<br \/>\n&#8211; Sourcing flowers from local suppliers whenever possible in order to limit our carbon footprint.<br \/>\n&#8211; Using probiotic cleaning products when we can.<\/p>\n<p>Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainable-florist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sustainability page<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n<p>We also partner with other like-minded businesses like Phoam Labs.<\/p>\n<p>For every commercial or <a href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wedding-flowers\/why-do-brides-carry-bouquets-at-weddings\/\">wedding<\/a> floral design project we complete, we arrange for a tree to be planted.<\/p>\n<p>So, <strong>our clients help the environment,<\/strong> and they get stunning results for their investment.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a win-win situation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gallery-block\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-block__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-wedding-flowers.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 85vw, (max-width: 1024px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 860px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-wedding-flowers.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-wedding-flowers.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-wedding-flowers.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/impact-of-floral-foam-sustainable-wedding-flowers.jpg 1200w\" alt=\"a tall wedding cake with floral table displays on either side \" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Flowers by Blooming Haus<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.bloominghaus.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online shop<\/a> for a selection of stunning eco-friendly floral displays.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;d also love to talk to you if you&#8217;re looking for <strong>sustainable floristry for your corporate event or wedding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;ll give you the results you&#8217;re looking for in a manner that&#8217;s dedicated to protecting the world around us.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CONTACT US<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Have_questions_about_floral_foam_and_the_environment\"><\/span>Have questions about floral foam and the environment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Have anything to ask about the dangers of floral foam to the planet?<\/p>\n<p>Pop your question in the comments, and we&#8217;ll take a look.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;d also love to hear your comments and suggestions about sustainable floristry practices.<\/p>\n<p>We look forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Journal_Entries_You_May_Find_Useful\"><\/span>Other Journal Entries You May Find Useful<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/news\/blooming-haus-b-corp-certified\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1. Blooming Haus is B Corp Certified &#8211; Everything You Need to Know<br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/news\/how-to-use-plants-for-natural-pest-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2. How to Use Plants as A Natural Pest Control <\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/sustainability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3. Sustainable Practices at Blooming Haus<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For years, floral foam has been a major environmental problem in our industry, contributing to the growing issue of microplastic pollution. Despite this, many florists continue to rely heavily on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":20566,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"class_list":["post-1091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sustainability"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1091"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1091\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20598,"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1091\/revisions\/20598"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20566"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloominghaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}