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      The green alternative to floral foam

      The green alternative to floral foam

      Floral foam, usually referred to as Oasis is much loved by florists worldwide for its convenience.

      Floral Foam Free Arrangement UK

      Oasis is really appealing for any florist, those green blocks of sponge foam are brilliant for making arrangements from small to large designs as they are able to absorb and hold water.  This means that the floral design can be kept fresh up to 4 days without adding any extra water.

      It is also simple to cut and mould,  is easy to transport and holds flowers tightly in place even for lengthy journeys in the van.

      However, there are a few significant problems with the floral foam that are difficult to ignore.

      It’s made from synthetic non-recyclable plastic and is created using a combination of carbon black, formaldehyde and phenol foam, which are all toxic both to humans and animals.

      Each block of foam contains the same amount of plastic as 10 shopping bags.

      But what is floral foam?

      Invented by Vernon Lewis Smithers in 1954 it was a milestone for floristry and has become very quickly an essential tool in the floral industry for creating quick floral arrangements.

      Each block holds up to 50 times its weight in water and keeps the blooms fresh up to 12 days.

       

      Why is floral foam bad for the environment?

      Floral foam is contributing to the growing crisis of plastic pollution. 

      Thanks to its mossy texture, green hue and the fact that it's used with flowers, it can be easily  be mistaken as a natural product.

       

      But in reality floral foam doesn’t fully dissolve in water or degrade in landfill or soil. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller micro-plastics and can take thousand of years to completely revert into natural elements and are a real menace for the environment by contaminating our marine life and food chains.

      Our Commitment:

      Fortunately we live in a growing environmentally-conscious world.

      We all got captivated, young and old by David Attenborough’s Blue Planet who bought our attention to the issue of plastics in the ocean and highlighting now more than ever it is important that we do our part for living in harmony with our Earth.

      Floral Foam Free Florist UK

      At The Hiden Collective we are floral foam free and instead we use either chicken wire or keizan (a metal spiky devices that sit in a vase or bowl and hold the flowers stems shown in the picture to the left).

      Also we feel that it it is important that we voice our concern and that we try to raise the bar of the floral industry to a more environmental friendly place.

      We are really happy to see that The Royal Horticultural Society has banned  the use of  Oasis from all its garden and horticultural shows from 2021.

       

      Join now the floral foam free movement!

      Floral Foam Free Flowers UK
      Ethical Flowers Delivery UK

      Covid-19 Lockdown - How nature can help to improve our mood

      Covid-19 Lockdown - How nature can help to improve our mood

      We all know that plants and trees are good for the planet – photosynthesis, the chemical process that creates food for them, uses up carbon dioxide and produces oxygen. That’s pretty handy for humans, as we need oxygen to exist, and we breathe out carbon dioxide.
      So many of us during this lockdown are unable to work, or are working from home, many of us have been inspired to explore nature in their neighbourhood and this is great because connecting with nature can help us feel happier and more energised.

      During lockdown car emissions declined, there are fewer tiny particles in the air, so it's easier to see beyond built-up areas and to the stars in the night sky. Less city noise also highlights birdsong.

      Reduce stress...adopt a plant!

      Looking at plants can be good for your mental health.
      Studies show that surrounding yourself with plant life or other forms of nature can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, improve your memory and focus, increase your self-esteem, and generally make you happier.
      Also having plants in your home may also remove some potentially harmful chemical compounds from the atmosphere.
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      Plant Delivery UK
      How nature has a positive effect on us?
      Being in nature or even looking at nature scenes, reduce fear, anger, stress and increases pleasant feeling.
      Also, being exposed to nature contributes to; reducing blood pressure, heart rate, the production of stress hormone and muscle tension.
      Being a "plant parent" also help us to appreciate the power we have to nurture, and gives us a sense of achievement when the plant flourishes.
      How to experience more nature on a daily basis?

      Studies have proven that we can benefit enormously if we are able to spend at least two hour a week connecting with nature.

      And if we are able to immerse not only by using our sight but also by using other senses like sound and smell, the result and benefit are even greater.

      There are many ways we can experience nature every day:

      - Open the window to catch the sounds of birds, tree  branches and leaves blowing in the wind.

      - Keep an eye on a tree close to you to see the changes to the leaves, the appearance of blossom and seeds.

      - Add natural elements in your home, plants, flowers & decorative branches. 

      - Try to take a walk either first thing in the morning or towards the end of the day. You will not enjoy just the beautiful nature feature, but also you will be able to experience wonderful warm light colours. Catching the sunset can be a wonderful experience for all the family at this time of year as it is at an early time for everyone!

       

      Would you like to know how flowers can help you during this Coronavirus Lockdown? Read our blog post:

      The Positive Effects of Flowers on Your Wellbeing

      The positive effect of flowers