Funeral flowers sustainability has become an increasingly significant issue for many people in view of the greater awareness that so many of us now have regarding the impact that our actions have upon the environment. With this in mind, Laura Richardson’s latest article discusses this fascinating issue and provides you with the information that you need . . .
Funeral flowers sustainability is a key consideration for many UK residents keen to limit their negative impact on the environment around us. When it comes to planning your funeral, there are many sustainable and environmentally friendly options to choose from, but what are the options for sustainable funeral flowers?
There appear to be two major considerations when it comes to funeral flowers sustainability:
- Choosing UK grown seasonal flowers
In the UK around 90% of flowers available for purchase are imported. The large majority of imported flowers come from countries such as the Netherlands that grow in heated greenhouses releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere every day. Unfortunately purchasing from warmer countries to avoid the need for heated greenhouses is also problematic due to the longer transportation required. So what about UK-grown flowers? The perceived downside to using seasonal UK grown flowers is that there would be a limited choice of flowers available all year round due to our seasonal weather pattern. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of the weather in the UK can also prove problematic to growers with periods of particularly inclement weather potentially leaving UK growers with severely limited crops to sell which in turn would put increased financial pressures on the industry-leading to a potential price hike on UK grown flowers. However, a reduced choice and/or higher price point may not be an issue for those that are truly committed to using sustainably sourced flowers for their funeral.
- Ensuring that the other materials in the arrangements are sustainably produced
Floral arrangements traditionally rely on single-use plastics and floral foam, neither of which can be composted nor recycled in the UK. However, there are options available for those that are passionate about promoting the use of sustainable products. For example, it is possible to use willow to form the base of your funeral arrangement, in the place of plastics and foam, in order to create a fully compostable funeral floral arrangement. Other options include reusing vases, creating hand-tied arrangements using compostable strings, or even using living plants that are then planted in memory.
If you are passionate about funeral flowers sustainability and other sustainable funeral options, why not make your wishes a reality by taking out a pre-payment funeral plan. We at Andrew Douglas Wills & Legal Services are proud to be able to offer a fully independent pre-payment funeral plan service via our trusted partner firm. For more information, please contact Andrew Douglas Wills & Legal Services to arrange your free initial consultation! Whether in Essex or across the UK, we welcome your inquiry.
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