IN THIS SECTION, DEVOTED TO OFFERING VARIOUS RESOURCES,

YOU WILL FIND: 

Other helpful websites and inks to various eco-organisiations as well as resources for (suggested) sustainability resolutions at various levels of Church governance

What's so harmful about Floral Foam?

Watch this video to find out...

A SUSTAINABLE CHURCH FLOWERS RESOLUTION


We, the Benefice of.............................................. in the Diocese of ................................................., are committed to the principles of the Sustainable Church Flowers movement, namely:

As floral foam is both a pollutant and a single use, non-compostable plastic,
we will prioritise its complete elimination within our churches and our graveyards, encouraging our floral creators/decorators to use alternative methods and techniques
for the display of creation and the glory of God.

We will use seasonal flowers and foliage grown locally or nationally where possible, being mindful of the liturgical seasons, adjusting church and graveyard decorations according to what is naturally and locally available.

We will be mindful of the environmental impact of our actions
in accordance with the spirit of the

Fifth Mark of Mission of the Church of England:


‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation
and sustain and renew the life of the earth.’


A parish. 

Resolution

This Parochial Church Council resolution is an example of one that can be used to ensure that the principles of Sustainable Church Flowers are formally adopted and endorsed by the whole church community.


This one can be used as it stands or as a template that can be adapted to a local situation, whilst remaining faithful to the spirit of the movement.

A MOTION FROM 

DEANERY SYNOD

to Diocesan Synod


That this Synod, embracing the principles of the Sustainable Church Flowers movement, which encourages a living into the Fifth Mark of Mission by promoting the use of local, seasonal and

fully biodegradable/compostable flowers and foliage without floral foam*,


1.) encourages a sustainable approach to church flowers throughout the diocese

and

2.) strongly discourages the use of all floral foam in churches and churchyards across the diocese.


*Floral foam (trade name Oasis) is a micro plastic held together by formaldehyde, carbon black, proprietary acid catalysts, proprietary sulfactant and barium sulphate.


A Diocesan Synod

Motion

The motion shown here is the one which was passed by Oxford Diocesan Synod in March 2023.

The speech to the motion can be found here.


This can be used by deaneries as written or as a template to be adapted to a local situation, whilst remaining faithful to the spirit of the movement.


A motion of 'strongly discourage' the use of floral foam was passed in Hereford Diocese in 2022.



A CHURCH EVENTS FLOWERS POLICY

Use the document below to advise  church or churchyard users to curate a sustainable approach 

The Oxford Diocesan Synod motion letter

A letter, inviting churches to participate in teh movement is available to all.  Please view below.