The Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) has appealed to residents of the capital not to bring plastic wreaths and flowers to cemeteries. Experts explain: the tradition of decorating graves with artificial decor causes irreparable harm to the environment.
Why is plastic in the cemetery dangerous?
During the memorial days, the amount of waste in city cemeteries increases exponentially. The main problem is that most of the artificial attributes not recyclable.
Consequences of using plastic decor:
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Microplastic pollution: Over time, products degrade, entering the soil and groundwater.
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Toxic emissions: Significant amounts of plastic have to be taken to landfills or burned, which leads to emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
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Threat to the ecosystem: Light elements are carried by the wind to nearby parks and bodies of water, posing a danger to birds and animals.
What is the alternative?
Instead of "eternal" plastic, which quickly loses its appearance and becomes garbage, the Kyiv City State Administration recommends using environmentally friendly options for commemorating:
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Fresh flowers: Traditional bouquets that decompose naturally.
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Planting plants: Perennial flowers or low-growing ornamental shrubs that will decorate the area every year.
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Natural compositions: Dried flowers, pine branches or vine wreaths without the use of plastic elements.
Refusing artificial flowers will help not only preserve the nature of Kyiv, but also significantly reduce the burden on municipal services involved in cleaning cemetery territories.
Importantly: When visiting burial sites, don't forget to also follow safety rules and respond to air raid sirens.
