Floral foam may be green in colour but it is far from being green in the environmental sense.
When I started in the floral industry in 1996, floral foam was just part of the job. It’s how I was taught, and for a long time, I didn’t question it. It made designing easier, faster and more structured.
As time went on, I started to learn more about what it actually is… and what happens to it after it’s used.
And once I knew, I couldn’t unknow it.
What followed wasn’t an overnight change, but a slow shift - often uncomfortable - as I began to unlearn one way of designing while learning another, all while running my business.
That process, as challenging as it was, has become a core part of how I work today.
What is Floral Foam?
Floral foam is a green , sponge-like material that’s commonly used in floral design to hold water and keep stems in place.
For decades, it’s been a go-to tool for florists because it allows for structure and stability, especially in more intricate arrangements.
If you’ve ever received a flower arrangement in a container, there’s a good chance you’ve seen it - that green, spongey material sitting at the bottom. That’s floral foam.
It’s something I used every day for many years without giving it much thought- because in this industry, it’s been considered standard for a very long time.
Why I Chose to Stop Using It
As time went on and I learned more about floral foam, it started to sit differently with me.
What I once saw as a helpful tool became harder to ignore. Knowing what it’s made of and where it ends up after it’s used changed the way I looked at it.
I couldn’t get the thought of it - or the guilt of using it - out of my head. It weighed on my conscience and my heart. I felt out of alignment continuing to use it.
At the same time, I had been designing with it for years. It was familiar, efficient and deeply ingrained in how I worked.
The idea of stopping felt overwhelming. It meant relearning techniques, rethinking my process and stepping outside of what I had known for decades.
But the more I learned, the harder it became to continue using it. So I started small. I began exploring other methods, slowly reducing how often I relied on floral foam.
It wasn’t a perfect or immediate transition- but it was an important one.
The Environment & Health Impact of Floral Foam
As I started to look into it more, I learned that floral foam is actually a single-use plastic. It isn’t biodegradable or recyclable which means it doesn’t break down in a natural way once it’s been used.
Instead, it breaks apart into tiny particles - microplastics - that can end up in our waterways and environment.
I also learned that it contains chemicals like phenol and formaldehyde, which are known to be harmful to both human health and the environment.
It was surprising, and honestly unsettling, to realize that something so commonly used in my industry could have that kind of impact.
Even the way it’s disposed of matters. Water that contains floral foam particles shouldn’t be poured down the sink, as those fragments can make their way into our water systems.
Learning all of this didn’t sit right with me - and it became harder to separate what I was creating from the impact it might have beyond the arrangement itself.
The Shift: From Overwhelming to Doable
Letting go of floral foam didn’t happen all at once. It was a gradual process - one that took time, patience and a lot of trial and error.
There were moments of frustration and designs that didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. I was learning a new way of working while unlearning something that had been second nature for years.
Over time, it started to feel more natural. What once felt limiting became an opportunity to design differently - to be more intentional with how I worked and what I used.
I’m still figuring it out as I go. But I’m so comfortable with flowers in my hands now that I trust the process in a different way.
What once felt overwhelming has become doable - and continues to evolve.
Foam-Free Alternatives I Use in My Floral Designs
As I began moving away from floral foam, I started exploring different ways to create structure and support within my designs.
Some of the methods I use include chicken wire, floral tape grids and kenzans - each one offering a different way to hold stems in place while still allowing for a more natural, open design.
I’ve also become more intentional with the vessels I choose, using their shape and depth to help support the flowers rather than relying on a single material to do all the work.
For hydration during transit, I’ve also moved away from floral foam. I now use a simple, eco-friendly method - a wet paper towel wrapped around the stems and placed in a biodegradable bag to keep the flowers hydrated until they’re home in water.
And I’m still learning. I’ve been experimenting with techniques like a chicken wire and moss “burrito “ method as I work toward creating fully foam-free funeral casket sprays - something that isn’t widely available but feels deeply important to me.
It’s an ongoing process - but one that continues to inspire me creatively in the most meaningful way.
A More Intentional and Sustainable Way Forward
Choosing to move away from floral foam wasn’t just about changing a material - it was about aligning my work with my values.
I care deeply about the environment and about being thoughtful in the way I create. This shift has allowed me to design with more intention , even if it hasn’t always been the easiest path.
I’m still learning, still experimenting and still finding new ways to approach my work - especially in areas like funeral flowers where foam has long been the standard.
In some parts of the world, the industry has already begun to move away from single-use plastics, often returning to more traditional methods. While I respect those approaches, I also feel inspired to explore what a more modern, foam-free style of funeral design can look like.
My hope is not only to offer this to my own clients, but to contribute - however quietly - to a shift within the industry.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about paying attention, making better choices where we can and continuing to evolve.
You can read more about my approach on my Sustainability Commitment page.
And if you’re ever curious about how your flowers are designed or would like to request a foam-free arrangement, I’m always happy to have that conversation. You can also check out our foam-free fresh flowers on the website.
Foam-free spring centrepiece, designed with seasonal flowers and intention.
