Time to Say Goodbye to Some Familiar Traditions for Many Ukrainians to Protect Nature
After Easter, it is time to prepare for the memorial days. Therefore, residents and guests of Kyiv have been advised on what is better not to bring to the cemetery this year.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the press service of the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA).
Also read: Not just Holy Week and Easter: which days in April are the most important in the PЦУ calendar
What is being asked not to bring to cemeteries in Kyiv
The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the KCSA has urged residents and guests of the capital to choose ways to honor memory responsibly.
This means not bringing artificial flowers or wreaths to the cemeteries.
Ukrainians were informed that it is necessary today to:
- adhere to the principles of environmental responsibility;
- participate in forming environmentally conscious traditions of honoring memory.
Why it is better to completely abandon artificial flowers
The KCSA explained that during the memorial days, the number of artificial flowers and wreaths at the cemeteries of the capital sharply increases, most of which are made from:
- plastic;
- synthetic materials;
- metal.
“Such products have a short lifespan, are almost non-recyclable, and over time break down under the influence of weather conditions, creating microplastics that enter the soil and water resources,” specialists emphasized.
It was also noted that after the memorial days, a lot of waste accumulates, which is taken to landfills or burned.
As a result, emissions of pollutants into the air increase.
Moreover, light plastic elements are carried away by the wind beyond the cemeteries – they “end up in green zones and water bodies and can harm animals.”
What to replace artificial flowers with at cemeteries
To reduce the negative impact on the environment, the KCSA advises to abandon the use of artificial flowers in favor of ecological alternatives.
As we can see, there is no talk of a complete official ban yet. However, people are strongly recommended to replace artificial flowers with:
- either live plants;
- or ecological compositions.
Ukrainians were informed that it is now “practical to choose live flowers, plant perennials or decorative shrubs, as well as use compositions made from natural materials – without plastic elements.”
“This approach will help reduce waste generation and preserve the natural environment,” the KCSA concluded.
Recall that earlier we discussed how the church views artificial bouquets near graves.
Additionally, we explained when it is not allowed to go to the cemetery.
Also read about what not to do at the cemetery on memorial days.
