News
Let's Change Floral Foam
I have had a lot of positive remarks from the community regarding the conversation I've started about Floral Foam on this blog. Many folks don't even realize how wasteful it is or how toxic it is. For thousands of floral designers, clients, workers and anyone else who come into contact with floral foam, there should be far greater transparency about what it's made of and how it's affecting our health and the environment.
So, there are two items I would like to ask of the floral foam manufacturers. And I need your help to get this done.
1. They need to immediately share the MSDS hazardous materials report online, and in print with every box of floral foam. And, there should be a warning label on the outside of the box that states some basic facts like: don't inhale, don't ingest, don't handle for prolonged amount of time and discard responsibly.
2. They need to start making a floral foam that is not filled with hazardous chemicals and that is biodegradable. Then, it's up to the consumer to make the switch to the less hazardous and more eco-friendly option.
Now, there was a company in the UK that was offering a biodegradable floral foam. So I know it's doable.
Who would like to join me in demanding that floral foam manufacturers change their practices?
In Green and Health,
G&G
Organic or All Natural Beauty Products
It all soaks in...
A year or two ago I came across Skin Deep, a cosmetic database that lists hundreds of different beauty and body products and how potentially harmful they are. Of course most of us know that there are a lot of nasty chemicals in hairspray, nail polish, sunscreen and even lipstick. But taking a look at this database will make you realize that just about everything we put on our bodies is potentially harmful. [caption id="attachment_660" align="aligncenter" width="258" caption="Simply Organic Hairspray "]

Biodegradable Floral Foam?
Non-toxic and Biodegradable Floral Foam, Where are You?
I wrote a post a few months ago about the toxins found in floral foam and that it's essentially made of plastic that isn't biodegradable. I've gotten so many hits on my blog about it, and yet, I still don't have much in the way of another option. Until I dug up this information from Stanel Co, a bioplastics firm based in the United Kingdom. Here is an informational pdf about a new bioplastic technology that can allow someone to make biodegradable floral foam made from plants: www.stanelcoplc.com . This new polymer: bioplastic 2189 is both biodegradable and compostable! What a relief. Can you imagine? being able to throw the foam and the flowers into the compost bin? What's more, the bioplastic works in the same way as the fossil fuel plastic, so it can be switched out and used in the very same factories and machinery as the other stuff. I can't wait to go order this foam... But wait, who's making it? Well apparently one floral foam specialist company is using this polymer to make biodegradable funeral foams: www.valspicer.co.uk . They have wonderful foam shapes and molds, but I don't see any biodegradable options on their site. I've contacted them and hope to find out what they have available! I will share any updates as soon as I can. I would also urge you to write a letter or email to floral foam manufacturers suggesting they make a switch to nontoxic and biodegradable. Here's a couple of the top manufacturers: Smithers Oasis, Ultra Floral Foam. In the mean time, I totally avoid the stuff, and find creative and fun ways to display flowers without foam. Take a look at how Gorgeous and Green tries to stay sustainable: G&G Services. I know it means more work sometimes and possibly more cost, but to me it's worth it. And it's worth it to a lot of customers to, not to mention to the planet. Check out these two designs from Gorgeous and Green Events that are totally floral foam free: Courtesy of www.seandonnellyphotography.com In Green and Health, G&GSilk or Artificial Flowers are not the option
"Silk" or artificial flowers are NOT a
sustainable or eco-friendly option



Floral Foam: Not so green
Since people are having a hard time getting the msds sheets, I am copying and posting the msds sheet for smither's oasis foam and linking it here.
You can also contact the makers of the floral foam (like Smithers-Oasis) yourself and have them send you a copy of the MSDS sheets for their products, as many floral foods, dips, leaf shines and adhesives contain hazardous chemicals either for you or for the environment. I found a few msds sheets here: but not all were thorough or up to date. I did learn however, that some floral foods and cleaners are highly toxic to fish and sea and should not be disposed of in drains or sewers or anywhere where it can get into the water supply. Whatever you do, get the information you need and make healthy decisions for yourself, your family, co-workers and the environment!Original post:
Have you ever seen that green foam that shows up at the bottom of flower arrangements? You know, the green foam brick florists soak in water and use to model and water flowers?