Every year, on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, the Church reminds people that artificial flowers and plastic wreaths have no place in cemeteries. For many of our fellow citizens, purchasing artificial flowers on the eve of Memorial Day is a long-standing habit, if not a tradition.
On November 1st, in Transcarpathia and some other regions of Ukraine, people follow the Western tradition of honoring the memory of the departed by bringing colorful plastic artificial flowers and wreaths to cemeteries. Unfortunately, this practice often occurs without due consideration of its harmful nature. Artificial flowers are typically made from synthetic plastics, threads, and paper treated with paraffin. When these components are burned, they emit harmful substances that can endanger human health, such as phenol, formaldehyde, nitrogen and sulfur oxides, and dioxins. Furthermore, it is critical to avoid burying artificial flowers because they decompose over 200 years and release toxic substances into the surrounding soil. Avoid purchasing artificial flowers to protect the environment and your health!
Sincerely,
