Why We Ditch Flower Foam: Eco-Friendly Choices from Your San Francisco Florist

Ever wondered why we steer clear of flower foam in our floral arrangements? Curious about what it even is? Well, you're in for a treat! As your friendly local San Francisco florist, we've got the lowdown. In this blog post, we'll spill the beans on flower foam, why we avoid it, and the awesome eco-friendly alternatives we use. So, keep reading!

This arrangement was created with a pin holder (a.k.a pin frog), a popular and eco-friendly alternative to flower foam that is widely embraced by florists

Let's start with the basics. Flower foam, also known as floral foam, oasis foam, or oasis blocks, is a squishy material that keeps floral arrangements in place. It's like the glue that holds everything together, or so it seems. But here's the thing—flower foam has its drawbacks.

Firstly, flower foam is a big no-no because it's not biodegradable. Nope, it's made of plastic, which means it takes centuries to break down and say its goodbyes. That's not cool for Mother Nature or the critters that stumble upon it in their natural habitats. As eco-friendly flower fanatics, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and use sustainable materials.

Secondly, flower foam isn't exactly friendly to those who work with it or enjoy the sweet scent of flowers. It contains formaldehyde, a toxic and cancer-causing substance. When flower foam gets wet, it releases formaldehyde into the air, making it hazardous for both florists and clients who want to inhale the beauty.

So, what's the alternative scene like? We've got some exciting options, my friends! Instead of flower foam, we embrace chicken wire, floral frogs, and amazing alternatives like Oshun Pouch and Agrawool. These eco-friendly alternatives not only save the planet but also let our creative juices flow when designing stunning floral arrangements. Now, here's the catch—they might be a tad pricier. While a block of flower foam costs around $1-2, the Oshun Pouch rings in at $10 for the same size. But hey, it's a small price to pay for a greener world, right?

Choosing an eco-friendly florist doesn't just help the environment; it also supports local businesses that genuinely care about sustainability. As proud San Francisco florists, we're committed to reducing our carbon footprint and using materials that won't harm our planet. By ditching flower foam, we're not only doing our part for Mother Nature, but we're also offering alternative options that are healthier for everyone involved. So, next time you need a gorgeous floral arrangement, think twice about flower foam and give us a shout. We'll show you the magic of eco-friendly flowers that'll leave you breathless!