The Kyiv City State Administration urges Kyiv residents to stop using plastic flowers at cemeteries
Ahead of the days of remembrance, the Kyiv City State Administration’s Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation issued an official request to the capital’s residents to act in an environmentally responsible manner.
The main problem lies in the enormous amount of artificial funeral decorations that accumulate in city cemeteries every year.
Most artificial flowers and wreaths are made of plastic, metal, and synthetic materials that are completely non-recyclable.
Under prolonged exposure to sun and rain, these items break down into microplastics, which inevitably end up in the soil and groundwater.
In addition to soil contamination, plastic decorations pose a serious threat to air quality, as such waste is often burned, leading to the release of toxic substances.
Lightweight decorative items are carried by the wind into green spaces and bodies of water, where they become a deadly trap for animals and birds.
Experts emphasize that honoring the memory of loved ones should not harm nature, so they recommend choosing exclusively eco-friendly alternatives.
The best solution is to use fresh flowers or to plant perennial ornamental plants and small shrubs at the gravesites.
For those who prefer floral arrangements, the Department recommends using natural materials, such as dried flowers or pine needles, but without adding plastic elements.
City officials are calling on Kyiv residents to join in shaping new, eco-conscious traditions for honoring the memory of the deceased.
A conscious choice in favor of nature will help keep the capital’s environment clean and safe for future generations.
Today, April 13, 2026, Ukrainians are celebrating Wet Monday—the second day of Easter, which marks the beginning of Holy Week.
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