The February 2026 General Synod passed a motion about using sustainable flowers in church.
The motion does not introduce any rules or bans. Instead, it encourages churches, wherever possible, to consider using seasonal, locally sourced flowers and foliage, and to phase out single‑use floral foam, which is a 1950s‑era plastic product that cannot be recycled or composted, sheds micro‑particles when handled, and contains the equivalent of up to ten carrier bags’ worth of plastic per block!
The Royal Horticultural Society has already prohibited floral foam at its shows, including Chelsea, since 2021. The motion highlights long‑established alternatives such as reusable vessels, twigs, moss, chicken wire, and metal “frogs”, which for centuries enabled churches to create arrangements without single‑use plastics. It also celebrates the creativity of volunteers and the opportunity to support local growers and community gardens.
We encourage you to think about how this might be introduced into your church. For advice on the sort of flowers to use, visit the Sustainable Church Flowers website.
More information available in The Conversation Magazine: All things bright and beautiful need to be sustainable as well, says Church of England’s new flower policy.
You can also try your hand at sustainable flower arranging by following this useful video from the Diocese of Worcester: