Memorial days: Kyiv residents are urged not to bring artificial flowers to cemeteries
In the run-up to the days of remembrance, Kyiv residents have been urged to swap artificial flowers for real plants.
This is reported by Nash Kyiv.
During the days of remembrance, the number of artificial flowers and wreaths in the capital’s cemeteries rises sharply. Most of them are made of plastic and synthetic materials, which are almost impossible to recycle and break down quickly.
“Under the sun and rain, they break down into microplastics, which end up in the soil, water and, ultimately, in our lives,” emphasised the Kyiv City State Administration’s Department of Environmental Protection.
After the days of remembrance, tonnes of waste accumulate, which are taken to landfills or incinerated, increasing air pollution. Furthermore, the wind carries lightweight plastic items beyond the boundaries of cemeteries — into green spaces and water bodies, where they harm animals.
Kyiv residents are asked to choose eco-friendly alternatives:
- planting perennials or shrubs — this is both beautiful and long-lasting;
- bringing seasonal flowers without plastic — they decompose naturally;
- use arrangements made from natural materials — branches, dried flowers.
“Memory is not plastic. Memory is care,” the post reads.
