The Flower Team and the PCC require that all flower arrangements in St Martin’s Church minimise damage to the environment. In particular:
Floral foam (sometimes known as oasis) uses microplastics and is currently non-recyclable. Therefore we follow the Royal Horticultural Society’s guidance (https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/policies/shows-sustainability) and do not use floral foam in St Martin’s Church.
Single-use plastic (e.g. plastic tape) is also not used.
Furthermore we follow the policy of the Church of England (details here):
promoting the use of local, seasonal and fully biodegradable/compostable flowers and foliage
wherever possible, sourcing flowers and foliage locally and seasonally for use in worship and church life
eliminating the use of floral foam (oasis) and all similar non-biodegradable and non-reusable products and techniques, while rediscovering traditional and environmentally-friendly methods of presentation and display.
October 2023
April 2026